PJ apprehends syndicate for live-streaming covert VIP betting

The Judiciary Police (PJ) has uncovered a scheme involving a criminal syndicate from mainland China, revealing a sophisticated operation in which undercover agents were sent to discreetly monitor activities within a VIP gaming room.

During a press conference yesterday, law enforcement officials detailed how the syndicate used WeChat groups to entice mainland Chinese gamblers into participating in illicit betting practices that sidestepped standard gaming regulations.

The investigation began with an initial tip-off received by the PJ, leading to further inquiries that exposed a series of illegal betting activities orchestrated by the syndicate between August of last year and this month.

The syndicate successfully conducted at least 11 betting operations, with total wagers estimated at around HKD790,000, while covert bets reached approximately HKD5.36 million.

Taking decisive action on Feb. 5, the PJ raided a VIP gaming room on the Cotai Strip, arresting three men from mainland China, aged between 29 and 35, one of whom was identified as a key figure in the syndicate.

During the raid, police seized vital evidence, including mobile phones used for live-streaming the illicit gaming activities, along with other confiscated items, such as headphones, gaming chips valued at HKD344,000, and HKD600,000 in cash.

Following their arrests, some suspects resisted cooperation and refused to assist with the ongoing investigation.

Staff Reporter