Hong Kong police arrest 150 in crackdown on illegal World Cup betting network
Authorities say the syndicate processed more than US$40.8m in wagers through offshore gambling platforms, as illegal betting activity continues to shift online ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Hong Kong.- Hong Kong Police arrested 150 people and dismantled an alleged illegal betting syndicate accused of handling more than HK$320m (US$40.8m) in wagers linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The operation, carried out by the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB), involved around 600 officers who conducted raids across multiple locations in Kwai Chung, Tsing Yi, Sha Tin, Kwun Tong and Kowloon City.
Police targeted eight websites offering football, horse racing and other sports betting products, which were reportedly aimed at customers in Hong Kong.
Investigators believe the network had been operating since July 2025, using third-party bank accounts to process betting transactions through multiple gambling websites. During the raids, officers seized HK$1m (US$127,000) in cash, assets valued at approximately HK$4m (US$510,000), as well as computers and mobile phones allegedly used in the operation.
Authorities also renewed warnings against illegal betting during the World Cup, traditionally one of the busiest periods for gambling activity. Under Hong Kong law, only authorised football betting, horse racing, the Mark Six lottery and licensed gambling venues are permitted.
