78 arrested over illegal gambling, including members of syndicate at racecourse
Campaign also uncovers ‘small-scale casino’ operating out of North Point flat that offered mahjong and baccarat, with players served food and drink
Hong Kong police have arrested 78 people, including a 16-year-old, in a crackdown on illegal gambling that uncovered a syndicate operating at the Happy Valley Racecourse.
Lo Kin-pong, a chief inspector from the Hong Kong Island regional anti-triad unit, said on Tuesday that police targeted illicit drugs, gambling, prostitution and triad activities in a campaign that ran from July 7 to Monday.
Officers arrested 42 men and 36 women, aged between 16 and 68, some of whom had triad backgrounds, according to Lo.
They were suspected of offences including operating an unlawful gambling establishment, criminal intimidation, and illegal bookmaking and betting.
Officers targeted a syndicate involved in illegal horse racing gambling at the Jockey Club’s Happy Valley Racecourse, after receiving a report from the club. The club is the sole operator authorised by the government to provide horse racing and football betting services in the city.
Officers arrested seven men – a local and six mainland Chinese – at the racecourse on July 8 on suspicion of illegal bookmaking and betting. They did not have triad backgrounds, according to the force.