O Ji smashed multiple illegal entertainment venues, arrested 128 people, issued 133 gathering restrictions and fined 665,000 yuan

The Organised Crime and Triad Investigation Bureau (Record O), together with officers from various regions, police district criminal units and special duty teams, conducted in-depth investigations on Thursday and Friday (27th to 28th). The operation code-named "Plough Ting Sweeping Acupoints" was launched in multiple districts in Hong Kong on two days to crack down on places controlled by local triads and sources of income, as well as violations of epidemic prevention regulations.

The operation smashed 4 illegal gambling establishments, 2 unlicensed bars and a party room that operated illegally. A total of 128 men and women were arrested, and 133 gathering orders were issued, with a total fine of 665,000 yuan.

During the operation, the police smashed four illegal gambling establishments, two unlicensed bars and one illegally operated party room in Hung Hom, Yau Ma Tei, Cheung Sha Wan, Kwun Tong, Kwai Chung, Tin Shui Wai and Tuen Mun respectively. A total of 78 men and 46 persons were arrested for "operating a gambling establishment", "assisting in the operation of a gambling establishment", "gambling in a gambling establishment", "possessing offensive weapons", "selling alcohol without a license" and "drinking alcohol in an unlicensed establishment" Local females, three mainland women and one non-Chinese woman, aged between 17 and 77, seized about 400,000 yuan in gambling money, 800,000 yuan in chips, a large number of gambling tools, and a large amount of beer and spirits.

The relevant persons also violated the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G) and were charged with a total of 133 tickets issued by the police.

All the arrested persons are being released on bail pending further investigation. Three of the persons in charge of the premises will be charged under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Prohibition on Group Gathering) Regulation (Cap. 599G).

The police said that intelligence showed that criminals used industrial buildings, residential units and warehouses to operate unlicensed bars, party rooms, and illegal gambling venues to maintain income and provide venues for illegal gatherings.

Most of the above venues have been refitted, with closed-circuit televisions installed outside the gates to identify customers, and sound insulation walls are also installed around the venues to improve concealment and increase the difficulty of law enforcement.

Among them, the police found that some people used the container office space in the warehouse to convert it into an illegal gambling place, and provided meals to attract people to patronize.