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Hong Kong police arrest 735, seize HK$692 million in illegal bets amid crackdown

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Hong Kong police arrest 735, seize HK2 million in illegal bets amid crackdown

Hong Kong police arrest 735, seize HK$692 million in bets amid illegal gambling crackdown

Hong Kong police have arrested more than 700 people and seized almost HK$700 million (US$89.7 million) in betting records, as well as HK$2.5 million in cash and assets, amid a crackdown on illegal gambling during Uefa Euro 2024.

The force said on Tuesday 165 raids targeting illegal bookmakers were conducted across the city during the football tournament, which kicked off on June 14 and ended on July 14.

A total of 735 people, 499 men and 236 women aged between 18 and 74, were arrested for offences such as engaging in bookmaking, betting with a bookmaker, operating illegal gambling establishments and money laundering.

Officers seized HK$1.1 million in suspected proceeds in cash and HK$1.4 million worth of valuables such as watches and cars believed to be obtained with criminal funds.

Spain’s Alvaro Morata lifts the trophy after winning the final match against England at Euro 2024. The force conducted 165 raids targeting illegal bookmakers across the city. Photo: AP

Records detailing HK$692 million worth of bets, 12 computers and 95 mobile phones used for illegal gambling operations were also confiscated.

Police ran advertisements against illegal online betting in public areas and worked with community groups and other organisations in effort to raise people’s awareness of illegal gambling.

The force warned that those found guilty of betting with an illegal bookmaker could face a fine of up to HK$50,000 and nine months in prison.

Those found guilty of running illegal bookmaking operations could face even stiffer penalties, including up to seven years in prison and fines of HK$5 million.

The force recorded 2,322 cases linked to illegal gambling from 2019 to last year.

More than 800 people were detained and records detailing more than HK$3.6 billion worth of bets were seized in operations against illegal bookmaking involving Euro 2020.

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