Triad Boss Apprehended in Illicit Betting Operations
In a series of recent crackdowns on illegal gambling, Hong Kong police rounded up and arrested numerous individuals, including a suspected high-ranking member of the infamous Wo Shing Wo triad.
From last Thursday to Saturday, law enforcement officers nabbed 83 persons -- 41 males and 42 females, aged between 26 and 72 -- for their alleged involvement in illicit money laundering and gambling activities.
One of the individuals detained is believed to be a key figure in the Wo Shing Wo, along with his spouse, son, and a supposed advisor to the crime syndicate. The family is being accused of managing an astounding HKD68 million (US$8.67 million) acquired through illegal activities. The authorities confiscated over HKD12.5 million (US$1.6 million) during the raids, which also included HKD7 million (US$892,500) in cash and property titles.
While the 26-year-old son may not have direct links to the triad, officials note that no records exist to confirm he directly paid for the properties. It is conjectured that the family chose to put the properties in his name to cover their tracks.
Numerous shady financial transactions sparked the investigations, such as significant money transfers between unidentified locations and the family's bank accounts. The family is also suspected of investing more than HKD10 million (US$1.27 million) in real estate on multiple occasions.
Their reported annual income, according to the police, amounted to HKD1.6 million (US$204,000) over the past nine years.
Further Arrests
During the three-day operation, two loan sharks believed to have ties to the triad were also taken into custody. A total of 14 individuals were apprehended, including six whom the police suspect of funneling money for a loansharking business. The remaining eight are known to be managing and collecting on outstanding debts.
Authorities seized a sizable amount of cash, HKD5.7 million (US$726,750), during the extensive search and arrest operation.
In addition to these locations, more illegal gambling venues and even a gas station, rumored to belong to the triad, were targeted in separate raids. These operations resulted in 65 out of the 83 arrests.
The investigation spearheaded by Chief Inspector Terence Wong Chi-tang, spearheading the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau, has been ongoing for a full year.
Five years ago, the police arrested over 171 people due to ties with the same triad. Annual arrests have been made since 2019.
Gambling in Hong Kong on the Rise
A recent survey by a non-governmental organization discovered that online gambling may be on the rise in Hong Kong. The i-Change-conducted study, based on 601 university students between the ages of 19 and 25, revealed startling insight into the prevalence of gambling among the youth.
41% of the students who engaged with the study admitted to participating in gambling within the past three months. A whopping 49% of the students stated their involvement with online gambling platforms.
Although gambling is heavily regulated in Hong Kong, with only the Hong Kong Jockey Club authorized to operate gambling establishments, the study serves as a warning sign of a potential surge in illegal activities.
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Source: www.casino.org
