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Police today (June 13) remind members of the public not to engage in illegal soccer gambling.
The appeal was made following the crack down of an illegal cross-boundary gambling syndicate over the weekend resulting in the arrest of 25 people and seizure of over $66 million betting records.
Officers of the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB), the Financial Investigation Division Narcotics Bureau (FID), and the Technology Crime Division of the Commercial Crime Bureau (TCD/CCB) together with the Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen conducted an intelligence-led operation codenamed ˇ§ Zonebuilderˇ¨ against illegal bookmaking activities.
During the operation, Police yesterday (June 12) arrested 19 men and six women, aged between 34 and 67, for engaging in bookmaking and money laundering related offences over the territories.
These people were arrested in Tuen Mun, Tin Shui Wai, Yuen Long, Sham Tseng, Tsuen Wan, Cheung Sha Wan, Sham Shui Po, Tsim Sha Tsui, Tseung Kwan O, Kwun Tong, and North Point respectively.
Police also seized betting records amounting $66 million, $0.64 million cash, 18 computers, and discovered 13 illegal betting websites.
Initial investigation revealed that the syndicate received bets of about $100 million each month. The syndicate also used a number of Hong Kong and mainland bank accounts to handle crime proceeds. The amount of crime proceeds involved was $752 million.
The arrested persons, including core members of the syndicate, are still being detained for further enquiries.
Speaking at the press conference, Superintendent OCTB, Mr Man Tat-shing said, "Police will continue taking vigorous enforcement action against illegal bookmaking activities during the course of the World Cup.
If members of the public has any information relating to illegal betting, please report to Police through the hotline on 2527 7887.
Add Police Report No. 3
Issued by PPRB
Ends/Sunday, June 13, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:40
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