The Group renovated the old building unit as a "fishing machine" gambling stall to clean more than 30 million black money. Police detained 48 people

An illegal gambling syndicate active in West Kowloon and New Territories North converted several old building units into casinos, and then used the bank accounts of shell companies to launder about 33 million "dark money" and transferred it into assets such as famous watches and sports cars.

The police launched an arrest operation code-named "Terrace" early this morning (21st), and smashed the group on suspicion of "money laundering", "acting as a member of a triad society", "proclaiming to be a member of a triad society" and "operating in a triad society". 48 people were arrested on charges of "gambling establishments".

Superintendent Lu Si-ho of the Organised Crime and Triad Investigation Division explained the case and said that after an in-depth investigation, the police targeted an illegal gambling syndicate active in West Kowloon and New Territories North.

During the police operation, a total of 7 "fishing machine" gambling stalls in Yau Ma Tei, Sham Shui Po and Yuen Long were smashed, and 35 men and 13 women were arrested, including the group's mastermind, key members and gamblers. They are currently being detained for investigation.

The police seized about 2 million yuan in cash, 3.5 million yuan worth of expensive watches, and 2.4 million yuan worth of sports cars and other suspected criminal proceeds.

Lu Sihao pointed out that the group has laundered about 33 million "dark money" in the past two years. He also pointed out that each location has huge cash and money counters. The case will seek the opinion of the Department of Justice for further action.

Taking advantage of the epidemic situation to renovate old buildings and build files

Lu Sihao pointed out that many game consoles and entertainment venues closed down due to the epidemic. The group used this to convert old buildings in West Kowloon and New Territories North into gambling stalls, and hired a group of local and non-Chinese people to take charge of the "games" at a low cost. She acts as a money changer and bodyguard commonly known as "Fenfenzi".

The group also provided drugs in the venue to attract more gamblers.

The Group also makes use of the online transfer platform to increase profits, not only for exchanging gambling points with gamblers, but also for transferring criminal funds.

In addition, in order to benefit from "bleaching", the group opened a shell company with no business, and used the company's name to earn sports cars and famous watches in an attempt to avoid investigation.

Operating illegal gambling establishments and gambling in illegal establishments are serious crimes under the laws of Hong Kong.

According to the Gambling Ordinance, anyone who operates a casino at any time commits an offence and is liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of HK$5 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Anyone who gambles in a casino commits a crime. Once convicted, the maximum penalty is a fine of HK$30,000 and imprisonment for nine months. Members of the public should not try the law.