Hong Kong Police arrest 56 in Sheung Shui gambling raid
The operation targeted suspected illegal gambling businesses believed to have provided revenue for a triad-linked group.
Hong Kong.- Police have arrested 56 people in Sheung Shui in a two-day operation against illegal gambling venues allegedly operated by a triad-linked group. Investigators said that players could obtain game points, which could be sold to other customers and converted into cash.
Undercover officers gathered evidence before police raided a suspected game centre, arresting two men and two women aged between 30 and 76. Further investigation then led officers to four other premises in Sheung Shui. These included a fishing-machine venue, a baccarat venue and a mahjong venue. Police said all four had been operating for about six weeks.
Officers seized 11 fishing machines, two mahjong tables, one baccarat table and around HK$24,000 (US$3,058) in cash, along with other gambling equipment. Another 52 arrests comprised 26 men and 26 women aged between 26 and 80. They were detained on suspicion of offences including operating an unlawful gambling establishment and gambling at such premises. Five of the suspects are due to appear at Fanling Magistrates’ Courts.
The Sheung Shui case follows a wider series of gambling-related enforcement operations in Hong Kong this year. During a territory-wide operation conducted around the 2026 FIFA World Cup, police raided 249 premises and arrested 991 people. The operation uncovered betting records worth more than HK$365m (US$46.5m), while officers also seized about HK$7.4m (US$942,995) in cash and valuables.
Under Hong Kong’s Gambling Ordinance, operating or facilitating an unlawful gambling establishment can result in a maximum fine of HK$5 million and seven years’ imprisonment. A person who bets with an illegal bookmaker can face a maximum fine of HK$50,000 (US$6,371) and nine months’ imprisonment. Police said enforcement would continue against illegal gambling operations as part of efforts to disrupt revenue streams associated with triad and organised criminal activity.
