Over 120 arrested as Hong Kong police raid illegal bars and gambling dens
As many as 121 people, including core members of triad societies, have been arrested in Hong Kong following a police crackdown on unlicensed bars, illegal gambling dens, and drug trafficking operations in Yuen Long, a district located in the northwestern New Territories of the city.
The arrests were made during a two-week operation that concluded on 10 April. Police dismantled three illegal gambling establishments, three unlicensed bars, and one drug den during the course of the operation.
The individuals arrested, aged between 14 and 67, face various charges including operating illegal gambling establishments, gambling in such premises, running unlicensed bars, selling liquor without a licence, drug manufacturing, and money laundering.
Authorities seized a range of gambling tools and alcoholic beverages valued at over HK$500,000 (approximately US$64,000).
A police spokesman said the operators of these illegal establishments are extremely cautious, often setting up operations in industrial buildings and “three-nil” buildings—those without owners’ corporations, residents’ organisations or property management companies—in an effort to evade law enforcement.
“The premises are heavily monitored with multiple CCTV cameras, and entry is restricted to regular customers or those referred by trusted sources,” the spokesman added.
He also stated that some of the illegal entertainment venues, gambling dens, and unlicensed bars are equipped with soundproofing materials, making it difficult for nearby residents to detect any suspicious activity.
Although the Hong Kong government does not want to appear to encourage gambling, tackling the issue has become a key priority.
Recently, a spokesperson for the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) said, “As a matter of policy, the Government does not encourage gambling. The Government adopts a multipronged strategy to address gambling-related issues, combining regulation of gambling activities through legislation, law enforcement against illegal gambling, public education and publicity on the harms of gambling addiction, and provision of counselling and support services to people in need.”
“There is, however, undeniably an actual and persistent demand for gambling in Hong Kong which, if left unregulated, would likely give rise to illegal gambling activities and associated social problems and other criminal activities,” added the spokesperson.
