Hong Kong Police Crack Down on Triad Operations, Detain 119 People

More than 100 people, suspected of being involved in fraud, drug distribution, prostitution and illegal gambling were recently arrested by law enforcement in Hong Kong. The massive operation was conducted between July 21 and August 3 and resulted in the arrest of 119 suspects, South China Morning Post reports.

The detainees were between the ages of 20 and 88 and consisted of 88 local residents, 19 mainland visitors, as well as a dozen immigrants who were holders of temporary identification documents allowing them to stay in the city.

Thomas Anthony Lo, a senior inspector with the police’s Hong Kong Island regional anti-triad squad, some of the people arrested are suspected of ties with the triads. The inspector said that the massive operation is a part of the ongoing efforts against illegal gambling, prostitution, drug distribution and fraudulent activities.

Between January and May this year, some 787 criminal cases with suspected ties to the triads have been investigated by law enforcement. The latest figure marks an increase of 6.2% when compared to the 741 cases reported for the corresponding period during last year.

Large-Scale Operation Results in the Arrest of More than 100 Suspects

During an operation called “Rousewit,” the Hong Kong police were able to identify and apprehend eight individuals suspected of defrauding six residents out of goods worth approximately HK$2 million or approximately $256,000.

The actions of the suspected triad-run syndicate involved defrauding individuals who wanted to sell high-value items such as expensive wine or watches, among other luxury goods. The eight men are suspected of engaging in face-to-face meetings with such individuals as a way to push them into making an easier sale.

The process involved a pretend buyer and appraiser who would help distract the seller. The group would then show the seller a bundle of cash and in the end would take the item, leaving the cash behind.

Sellers that fell victim to the group uncovered that the bag of cash would contain only several real banknotes. This is the oldest trick in the book where culprits put real bank notes on the top and bottom of a stack of cash. In between, the sellers found the so-called “practice notes,” which is a currency that resembles the real one but is usually used by banks to train their employees. During the police operation, some 1,550 such notes were seized by law enforcement. Luxury items were also recovered by the authorities during the operation.

Upon further investigation, another 111 individuals were apprehended. Police conducted raids, shutting down brothels and illegal gambling venues, seizing more cash and drugs in the process.