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Police were called to the Canton Road office of a mainland company on Tuesday. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong police arrest alleged triad leader, 34 others after gang storms office in suspected bid to recover HK$19 million lost on stocks

  • Police alerted after suspected triad members led by ‘Temple Street Long’ rushed into Tsim Sha Tsui office to collect HK$19 million, source says
  • Gang was waiting in office for arrival of client, who did not show up after apparently learning of the officers’ presence, insider adds
Police have arrested an alleged Wo Shing Wo triad leader and 34 others after the group stormed into the Hong Kong office of a mainland China-based company during an apparent action to recoup HK$19 million lost on stocks, the Post has learned.

The 48-year-old man, known as “Temple Street Long” due to his gang’s activity in the Jordan area, and his 34 alleged followers were detained on suspicion of unlawful assembly, according to a source familiar with the case.

As of Wednesday afternoon, all 35 suspects were still being held for questioning.

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Police were alerted at about 5.30pm on Tuesday after the 34 suspected triad members led by Temple Street Long rushed into the Canton Road office in Tsim Sha Tsui.

“The investigation found the gang went there to collect HK$19 million that their client had lost in stock investments through the company,” the source said.

According to the force, all 35 suspects were inside the more than 1,000 sq ft office when officers arrived.

“They occupied every corner of the office. Although no weapon was produced during the incident, the person in charge of the company was not allowed to leave the office,” the source said.

He said the gang was waiting for the arrival of their client, who had paid Temple Street Long to collect the money. The client did not show up after apparently learning of the officers’ presence.

Police arrested the 35 men for unlawful assembly – an offence punishable by up to five years in jail under the Public Order Ordinance. Officers from the Yau Tsim anti-triad squad are following up the case.

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Temple Street Long is believed to be one of two current leaders of the Wo Shing Wo leaders, which holds elections every two years to choose the bosses.

His gang has been accused of running drug dens, gambling establishments and brothels and engaging in loan shark activities and debt collection, mainly in the Yau Ma Tei area, according to the source.

Tsuen Wan is traditionally a Wo Shing Wo stronghold, but it has extended its influence to Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kok, Tai Po and Sheung Shui.

Between January and March this year, police handled 503 reports of triad-related crimes, up 69.9 per cent from 296 cases logged in the same period last year.

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