12 arrested in Mong Kok illegal gambling den raid

Police arrested 12 people during a raid on a suspected illegal gambling den on Monday in Mong Kok.

Officers from the Mong Kok special duty squad raided a unit on Sai Yee Street after investigation and intelligence analysis under the codename Operation FULLBOOM.

A 75-year-old Lam surnamed local man was arrested on suspicion of "operating a gambling establishment." A 24-year-old Choi surnamed local man was arrested for allegedly "assisting in the management of a gambling establishment."

Ten other local men and women, aged between 43 and 86, were arrested on suspicion of "gambling in a gambling establishment."

Police seized a gambling table, about HK$12,000 in cash, approximately HK$220,000 worth of chips, and a batch of gambling equipment.

All detainees are being held for investigation. Police reminded the public that operating and gambling in a gambling establishment are serious offences under the Gambling Ordinance, carrying maximum penalties of a HK$5 million fine and seven years' imprisonment for operators, and a HK$30,000 fine and nine months' imprisonment for gamblers.