Hong Kong police arrest over 230 people in first weekend of anti-triad operation ahead of city’s handover anniversary
- Source says raids on triad-controlled premises conducted as part of ‘Thunderbolt 2022’, with police coordinating with counterparts in Macau, Guangdong province
- Force confiscated HK$13 million worth of cash and gambling chips, as well as gaming tables, alcohol and narcotics during weekend’s raids
Hong Kong police have arrested more than 230 people in the first weekend of a six-week crackdown on triad groups which was launched ahead of an expected visit by state leaders as part of the 25th anniversary of the city’s return to Chinese rule.
A force insider on Monday said the annual operation, code-named “Thunderbolt 2022”, involved police in Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong province and spanned all three locations. The source added that the first phase had kicked off on May 20 and would end on July 4.
The joint effort was established to combat the illegal activities of triad groups and other organised crime syndicates, tackle cross-border crimes and cut off sources of income for criminals in each location, police said.
In Hong Kong, the “clean-up” operation is coordinated by the city’s Organised Crime and Triad Bureau, with support from all six regions of the local police force.
Between Friday night and Sunday, officers from the bureau targeted several illicit gambling establishments, vice and drug dens, and unlicensed pubs controlled by triad groups.
During the raids, police confiscated HK$13 million (US$1.65 million) worth of cash and gambling chips. The force also seized other related gaming paraphernalia, such as baccarat and electronic mahjong tables, along with audio equipment, more than 260 cans of beer and a small quantity of illegal drugs.