Hong Kong: 21 arrested accused of illegal bookmaking

Six of them are members of the Hong Kong Jockey Club

Hong Kong.- A crackdown on illegal bookmaking resulted in 21 people arrested by the anti-corruption police in Hong Kong. Six of them are members of the Hong Kong Jockey Club (two assistant trainers and four stable staff).

The arrests were announced by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) last Monday. The ICAC launched the Operation Iron Triangle on Saturday, with the bookmaking ring suspected of having used “privileged information” from HKJC employees.

The ICAC determined that 15 people were operating the bookmaking syndicate from residential premises in Tsuen Wan with the assistance of the six HKJC staff members. “We do not tolerate any corrupt activities”, said both organisations, the ICAC and the HKJC.

“While enquiries are continuing, no further comments are available at this stage. The HKJC has rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its operation”, continued the institutional statement.

“The two organisations will continue to liaise and cooperate closely to combat-related crimes and keep horse racing in Hong Kong clean”, added.

Then, it concluded: “The club does not comment on any cases being investigated by ICAC. However, the club would like to emphasise that upholding uncompromising integrity has always been the core value of the club”.