Two mainland suspects arrested over illegal remote betting operation

Two mainland Chinese nationals were arrested after allegedly using modified clothing to conceal mobile phones while livestreaming casino gambling activities and placing bets on behalf of clients, the Judiciary Police (PJ) said.

Police received a tip Thursday, Sept. 3, alleging that an illegal “electronic betting” operation was being conducted at a casino in the NAPE area. Officers went to the scene and intercepted the two suspects.

The 49-year-old male suspect allegedly wore specially modified clothing fitted with concealed mobile phones, which he used to livestream casino gaming activities. He also allegedly placed bets according to instructions from accomplices in mainland China.

The 46-year-old female suspect allegedly provided a membership card for gambling and also placed bets under instructions from the mainland accomplices.

Police said the pair won about HKD50,000 in gambling proceeds and were intercepted as they were preparing to leave the casino.

Officers found three mobile phones, HKD90,000 in casino chips, modified clothing, a membership card and Bluetooth earphones among the items allegedly linked to the operation.

The PJ said the case remains under investigation, with authorities continuing efforts to identify other people allegedly involved in the illegal betting activity. lv