Triad Money Confiscated in Hong Kong after Gambling Arrests
Authorities in Hong Kong persist in cracking down on illegal gambling and organized crime throughout the city. In the latest raid, over 200 people were apprehended for their involvement in underground gambling activities orchestrated by a triad syndicate. These raids covered the entire city, leading to the seizure of approximately HK$2 million (US$255,800) in cash designated for underground casinos. Last month, a similar operation netted HK$12.5 million (US$1.6 million) and a triad boss.
During a 48-hour mission on Friday, about 40 locations were targeted by authorities, including arcades, illicit gambling dens, unauthorized drinking establishments, and exclusive clubs. The police detained 201 individuals, accused of various offenses ranging from participating in the illicit drug trade to conspiring to engage in destructive activities. Some were charged with running unlawful gambling establishments.
In the operation, HK$560,000 (US$71,624) in cash and HK$1.35 million (US$172,665) in gambling chips were seized. Additionally, 53 gambling machines were confiscated, along with other incriminating evidence.
Lee, the Triad Mastermind
Although a triad leader named Lee managed to evade capture during the operation, he was eventually apprehended in Lok Ma Chau around 7 p.m. on Saturday. The 37-year-old Lee is suspected of using legitimate nightlife establishments as illegal gambling dens, where he allegedly forced funds from individuals. Another officer, Chief Inspector Ho Kai-ho from the Kowloon East Regional Anti-Triad Unit, stated that the group used undocumented workers to manage the establishments, which were also popular among triad leaders and members.
Originally set up as nightclubs, these establishments later transformed into gambling halls, offering baccarat, poker, and other games. Officials asserted that the gang used these properties as their headquarters and that the workers were frequently pressured into participating in criminal activities.
Pressure from China
It's unknown if this most recent operation is related to the series of raids conducted last month. The investigations are ongoing, and more people, possibly even more triad leaders, may be arrested in the near future.
Beijing is also exerting greater pressure on Hong Kong to suppress organized crime. At a conference in Hong Kong last week, the vice minister for China's Ministry of Public Security, Chen Siyuan, highlighted the significance of closer cross-border collaboration.
Hong Kong police have been tirelessly working to dismantle triads, but the struggle is never-ending. Aside from breaking up land-based casinos, the police must also allocate resources to tackling online criminal activities.
Two weeks ago, 42 individuals were arrested in Hong Kong for operating an underground online casino. While it took some time for authorities to uncover the operation, they believe it may have been running since March of last year. The group is believed to have raked in around HK$26 million (US$3.3 million), with many players using established payment systems in the city. The platform itself was based outside Hong Kong, suggesting that the payment providers may have had local assistance.
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