HONG KONG, March 20 — Hong Kong Police late this afternoon dismantled an alleged illegal gambling operation in a residential unit in Sham Shui Po, arresting seven individuals involved in the activity.
Officers from the Sham Shui Po District Special Duties Squad executed a surprise raid on a premises located on Pei Ho Street following an intensive investigation sparked by an anonymous tip. The operation netted one woman suspected of running the illicit gambling parlor and six others accused of participating in the illegal games.
The woman arrested on suspicion of managing the facility is a 64-year-old local resident identified only by the surname Chan. She faces charges of “operating a gambling establishment.”
Details of the Arrests and Seizures
The six others detained—four local women, one local man, and one mainland Chinese man—range in age from 20 to 63 years old and were arrested for “gambling in a gambling establishment.” All seven individuals are currently being held for questioning as the investigation continues.
During the search of the unit, officers seized significant evidence related to the operation. The haul included:
- Three electric mahjong tables, automated devices commonly used in high-stakes gambling.
- Six sets of mahjong tiles.
- A quantity of cash suspected to be gambling proceeds.
- Various pieces of furniture used to facilitate the operation.
Police sources confirmed that the swift action highlights authorities’ continued commitment to cracking down on underground gambling activities within densely populated urban districts.
Stiff Penalties for Illegal Gambling
A police spokesperson reiterated the severe legal consequences associated with violating Hong Kong’s gambling laws. Under Chapter 148 of the Laws of Hong Kong, the Gambling Ordinance, both running and participating in illegal gambling establishments are serious offenses.
The individual found guilty of operating an illegal gambling venue faces the most stringent penalties. These can result in a maximum fine of $5 million and up to seven years in prison.
Those convicted of gambling inside such an establishment face lesser, though still significant, penalties. The maximum sentence for this offense is a fine of $50,000 and up to nine months behind bars.
The bust serves as a stark reminder to the public that authorities maintain zero tolerance for organized crime and illegal activities that often prey on vulnerable community members. Police emphasized that they will continue to act decisively on intelligence to maintain public order and safety across the territory. Further details regarding the investigation are expected to be released as the suspects are formally charged.
Leave a Reply