Arrest of 335 Individuals in Hong Kong Due to Triad-Linked Gambling Raids
Revised Article:
In a bold move to bring down the wave of illicit gambling tied to organized crime, Hong Kong officials have been on a mission, executing a strategic campaign that included numerous raids on establishments linked to the Triad. This culminated in the capturing of 335 suspects, dealing a severe blow to the secret world of illegal gambling.
Over a well-planned three-day period, the Hong Kong Police carried out early morning raids on a wide assortment of 223 entertainment spots, ranging from mahjong parlors, saunas, nightclubs, bars, to various recreational areas. According to media outlet Delicate Bites Daily, these carefully coordinated actions led to the confiscation of HKD 1.8 million worth of gambling chips, mahjong tables, weapons, and narcotics.
The detainees, spanning ages from 18 to 88, now face various charges, including drug possession, property damage, operating illegal gambling and brothels, weapons possession, money laundering, and fraud. These arrests line up with the ongoing campaign to shut down underground venues suspected of Triad involvement in illegal gambling and prostitution.
Arrests Amid Triad Funeral
Interestingly, the arrests coincided with the funeral of "Tsz Tung," the father of a former leader of the Hong Kong Wo Shing Wo triad. Know for its involvement in prostitution, drug trafficking, and extortion, the triad drew in individuals associated with criminal groups to the funeral on November 9. This resulted in the deployment of anti-gang squad officers and the tactical unit of the West Kowloon Police District to keep the peace.
Authorities are paying close attention to the attendees at both the funeral and the entertainment venues, utilizing the increased presence of Triad-linked individuals in Hong Kong during the funeral as an opportunity to nab the criminals. This strategic timing emphasizes the Triads' apparent defiance of ongoing efforts to curb their influence.
Wo Shing Wo's Wide Reach
The Wo Shing Wo triad, with roots stretching back to Guangdong, China, and a history dating to the early 20th century, has been deeply entrenched in Hong Kong. Engaged in a variety of criminal activities, including violent turf wars, prostitution, drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and extortion, the triad has navigated periodic crackdowns, internal conflicts, and rivalries with other factions.
While not directly mentioned in the article, the Wo Shing Wo triad has been known to extend its influence globally. Allegedly participating in drug operations in Australia, Europe, Canada, and the UK, the triad is said to control the heroin trade in France alongside Albanian and Turkish gangs. This underscores the triad's far-reaching impact on the international criminal landscape, transcending borders with its diverse criminal enterprises.
- The confiscated gambling chips from the raids amounted to HKD 1.8 million, adding to the evidence against the detainees in the general-news category of crime-and-justice.
- Besides the gambling chips, the Hong Kong Police also seized mahjong tables, weapons, and narcotics from the establishments, further bolstering the case against the detainees.
- Interestingly, the arrests during the Triad funeral coincided with the increased presence of Triad-linked individuals in Hong Kong, providing a strategic opportunity for authorities to apprehend more criminals involved in illegal activities like gambling.
- With roots dating back to Guangdong, China, the Wo Shing Wo triad has been a significant player in Hong Kong's criminal underworld, engaging in various activities such as illegal gambling, and extending its influence globally, even controlling the heroin trade in certain countries like France.
