Police conducted two large-scale anti-illegal bookmaking operations codenamed “CROWBEAK” and “WINDSHIELD” between June and July during the UEFA European Football Championship (UEFA Euro) period, resulting in the arrest of 103 persons and seizure of betting records valued at $586 million and over $3 million cash.

     In these large-scale anti-illegal bookmaking operations, Police searched a total of 134 locations, leading to 62 successful raids and the arrest of 73 males and 30 females, aged 16 to 66. The offences involved were “engaging in bookmaking”, “betting with a bookmaker” and “dealing with proceeds known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence”.

     Police also seized betting records totalling $586 million, over $3 million cash and 57 sets of computers in the operation, which is the highest seizure amongst similar operations in recent years.

     During the period of operation, Police had exchanged intelligence with Mainland, Macau and other overseas law enforcement agencies through various working groups.  Police had also participated in an international anti-soccer gambling operation consolidated by the Interpol, in order to further enhance the intelligence sharing and enforcement action at international level.

     In addition, Police had distributed leaflets and posters in entertainment premises and restaurants during the UEFA Euro period, and had cooperated with the Hong Kong Jockey Club to produce a video broadcasted on television. Police had also disseminated related message in newspapers, magazines and radio to educate members of the public and prevent them from contravening the law inadvertently.

     Members of the public are advised by Police not to engage in bookmaking or bet with a bookmaker, and report to Police if they find any illegal booking activities.

     Police are determined and capable of combating illegal bookmaking. Police will continue combating such bookmaking activities, cutting the sources of illegal income of criminal gangs and recovering crime proceeds.

Ends/Monday, July 18, 2016
Issued at HKT 21:02

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