Hong Kong police authorities busted a cross-border gambling syndicate, RTHK reported yesterday. The authorities reportedly arrested more than 70 people on both sides of the border.
A total of 23 people were arrested in Hong Kong, while 48 were arrested in the mainland. Two people from the Hong Kong detainees are suspected of masterminding the operation.
The syndicate facilitated illegal betting on horseracing and football matches across the world for those living within the mainland. Around HKD108 million was found by police authorities from both Hong Kong and the mainland during the course of a sting operation.
Chief Inspector Lo Chung Wong from the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau said that the police force believes it has already apprehended the group’s masterminds. He added that it is believed that two Hong Kongers acted as “senior brokers” and received bets from gamblers or brokers.
Gambling is strictly illegal in China, however exemptions are provided to certain jurisdictions like Hong Kong and Macau. While horseracing is considered a legitimate activity on the mainland, it is forbidden to bet on the races themselves.
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