Hong Kong Police have arrested 150 people following a large-scale operation targeting an alleged illegal gambling network accused of processing approximately HK$320m ($41m) in betting transactions linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The three-day operation, carried out between 12 and 14 June by the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB), involved around 600 officers conducting raids at eight industrial units across Kwai Chung, Tsing Yi, Sha Tin, Kwun Tong and Kowloon City.
According to police, the operation resulted in the closure of four payment processing centres, three promotional and administrative offices and one location allegedly used to recruit bettors and collect so-called "dummy accounts".
Officers also seized HK$1m in cash, valuables worth approximately HK$4m, along with computers and mobile phones believed to have been used in the operation.
Those arrested, aged between 18 and 75, include alleged syndicate leaders, administrative staff, account holders and bettors. Police said 18 of those detained have known triad backgrounds.
Investigators believe the organisation had been operating around the clock since July 2025, using bank accounts held by third parties to process betting transactions. The platforms reportedly offered casino games, football betting, horse racing and other sports markets aimed at customers in Hong Kong.
Chief Inspector Wong Yu-fai said illegal gambling activity in Hong Kong has increasingly shifted online, with local syndicates acting as intermediaries for offshore betting platforms by providing account services, promotional offers and credit betting facilities.
Police reiterated that only authorised football betting, horse racing, the Mark Six lottery and licensed gambling venues are legal under Hong Kong's Gambling Ordinance. Authorities also confirmed they will continue enforcement efforts throughout the World Cup period as betting activity increases.
The latest action follows a string of recent enforcement efforts in the region. Last month, a separate anti-triad operation led to 164 arrests and the dismantling of 34 suspected illegal establishments.
Police also issued a warning earlier this month about the risks of betting through overseas platforms during the World Cup, while Chinese platform Xiaohongshu has separately suspended more than 40,000 accounts linked to illegal betting promotion.
Under Hong Kong law, placing bets with an unlicensed bookmaker can result in up to nine months' imprisonment and a HK$50,000 fine, while operating an illegal bookmaking business carries penalties of up to seven years in prison and a HK$5m fine
