Nine Arrested in Sham Shui Po Fishing-Machine Gambling Den Raid
On.cc · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Police in Sham Shui Po raided a unit at 64 Pei Ho Street on September 16 after acting on intelligence and an in-depth investigation, uncovering a suspected illegal fishing-machine gambling den. Nine people were arrested, including a 41-year-old local man surnamed Lai accused of managing the venue, and eight suspected gamblers. The other arrestees were one mainland Chinese woman, six local men and one local woman, aged between 35 and 50. Officers also seized four fishing machines, gambling equipment and a small amount of betting money from inside the unit
Key Points
- Sham Shui Po district officers carried out the raid on the afternoon of September 16 at a unit in 64 Pei Ho Street after receiving intelligence
- Police said the premises was a suspected illegal fishing-machine casino operating inside a residential or commercial unit in Sham Shui Po.
- A 41-year-old local man surnamed Lai was arrested on suspicion of managing a gambling establishment during the operation
- Eight alleged gamblers were also arrested, comprising one mainland Chinese woman, six local men and one local woman aged 35 to 50
- Officers seized four fishing machines, a batch of gambling paraphernalia and a small amount of gambling proceeds or betting money
Why It Matters
The case points to continued police attention on neighbourhood-based illegal gambling operations that can be set up inside ordinary premises. It also underlines the legal risks for operators, occupants and gamblers, with the Gambling Ordinance setting out heavy fines and jail terms for managing or knowingly allowing premises to be used as a casino