Hong Kong police to focus on cyber efforts against illegal betting during World Cup 2018 as bookies go digital
Authorities say syndicates are manipulating overseas servers and gambling websites, with bets placed over instant messaging where trails can be erased
In an earlier report, the Post stated that the force would intensify the crackdown on unlawful bookmaking in the city during the major sporting event, which runs from June 14 to July 15.
On top of deploying officers to raid bars and restaurants across the city, Senior Inspector Raymond Chau Man-hin, from the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau, said police would step up intelligence gathering and cyber patrols as more syndicates manipulated overseas servers and gambling websites to engage in illegal betting.
Chau said gamblers were also increasingly placing bets through instant messaging on mobile devices, moving away from paper records.
“Gamblers place bets by making WhatsApp calls or leaving a voice note on instant messaging. Some mobile messenger apps can even destroy messages,” Chau said. “This makes our investigations difficult. It takes us more time and complicates steps to examine a device and uncover or secure digital evidence.”
Louis Chan Hon-ming, the bureau’s senior superintendent, said he would lead a working group with other internal divisions, including the Criminal Intelligence Bureau and Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau, to map out tactics against illegal betting.