Hong Kong police have dismantled an alleged illegal sports betting operation accused of processing more than HKD 320 million ($40.8 million) in wagers, following a major enforcement operation during the FIFA Club World Cup.
150 Arrests in 3 Days
The Organized Crime and Triad Bureau said 150 people were arrested between June 12 and June 14, 2026, after more than 600 officers conducted raids across the city.
Authorities seized approximately HKD 1 million ($127,600) in cash and valuables worth around HKD 4 million ($510,400) during the operation.
According to investigators, the syndicate operated at least eight betting websites offering wagers on football, horse racing and other sporting events.
Police allege the group specifically targeted gamblers in Hong Kong and processed bets ranging from HKD 10,000 ($1,276) to HKD 300,000 ($38,280), indicating a focus on high-value customers.
8 Venues Were Shut Down
The raids resulted in the closure of four betting processing centers, three administrative and promotional hubs, and a separate location allegedly used to recruit bettors and manage so-called dummy accounts.
Police said 18 of those arrested have known triad connections and include suspected leaders of the operation, employees and account holders used to move money through the network.
Authorities claim the group relied on dummy or mule bank accounts to transfer funds and avoid detection. These accounts are often rented, purchased or controlled through intermediaries to conceal the origin of gambling proceeds.
Superintendent Au Yeung Tak said the operation sends a clear message ahead of what is traditionally one of the busiest periods for illegal sports betting activity.
“Police are urging the public not to take part in any illegal gambling during the World Cup, which is a peak period for unlawful betting,” he said.
He also reminded residents that placing bets with unauthorized bookmakers is illegal, regardless of whether the operator is based in Hong Kong or overseas.
Hong Kong allows legal betting only through the Hong Kong Jockey Club, which operates horse racing, soccer betting and lottery games under a government-sanctioned monopoly.
Anyone convicted of betting with an unlicensed bookmaker can face fines of up to HKD 50,000 ($6,378) and nine months in prison, while illegal operators face penalties of up to HKD 5 million ($638,000) and seven years behind bars.