Hong Kong police arrest 65 in raids targeting illegal gambling and nightclubs
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A two-day enforcement operation was conducted in Kowloon West.
Hong Kong.- Police have arrested 65 people in a two-day operation that police say uncovered three illegal gambling venues. More than 170 officers took part in Operation Thunderbolt and Roaring Tiger, raiding 10 locations in Kowloon West.
Officers say three venues were found to be hosting fishing arcade games. Of the arrests made, 29 are related to alleged gambling offences, including operating, conspiracy to operate and gambling at illegal gambling establishments as well as money laundering.
Officers also seized 20 gaming console motherboards, card readers, gambling reward cards and cash believed to be linked to illicit gambling. The operation also targeted unlicensed nightclubs allegedly associated with the same syndicate, leading to arrests for drug, liquor licensing and immigration offences.
Financial investigators estimate that the group handled HK$13m (US$1.7m) over several years. Under Hong Kong law, operating an illegal gambling establishment is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a fine of HK$5m (US$637,000), while participating in gambling at an illegal venue carries a maximum sentence of nine months’ imprisonment and a HK$50,000 fine (US$6,300).
A two-day enforcement operation was conducted in Kowloon West. Hong Kong.- Police have arrested 65 people in a two-day operation that police say uncovered three illegal gambling venues. More than 170 officers took part in Operation Thunderbolt and Roaring Tiger, raiding 10 locations in Kowloon West. Officers say three venues were found to be hosting…
