Hong Kong police arrest man over World Cup betting records worth HK$1.5 million, seize HK$100,000
- Suspect, 22, accused of using social media platforms to find punters and promote an illegal gambling website
- Officers say single bet could reach as high as tens of thousands of dollars
Hong Kong police have arrested a man on suspicion of promoting bookmaking and seized HK$1.5 million (US$192,635) in World Cup betting records, along with HK$100,000, during a raid on his flat.
The 22-year-old man, who was detained on Saturday, was accused of using social media platforms to find punters and promote an illegal gambling website, the force on Monday said.
“Through social media platforms, the suspect offered others the accounts of an illegal gambling website to bet,” said Inspector Leung King-man of Western district’s anti-triad squad.
“To lure punters into gambling, he also accepted bets on credit, and payments could be settled later.”
After identifying the suspect, officers raided his serviced flat in Hung Hom and arrested him on Saturday night. They also seized HK$100,000, a banknote counter and electronic devices from his flat.
“Officers discovered at least 16 accounts of an illegal gambling website and HK$1.5 million in betting records on his mobile phone and computer,” Leung said, adding the amount of a single bet reached as high as tens of thousands of dollars.
“An initial investigation showed the suspect could pocket a commission of between 2 and 5 per cent of the amount of each bet.”
Over 3,000 fake football jerseys seized by Hong Kong customs ahead of World Cup
He said the investigation was still under way and further arrests were possible.
The suspect was detained on suspicion of promoting bookmaking – an offence punishable by up to seven years’ jail and a HK$5 million fine under the Gambling Ordinance.
Police also reminded the public that betting with a bookmaker is punishable by up to nine months in prison and a HK$30,000 fine. Gambling in an illegal establishment carries a maximum penalty of nine months in jail and a HK$30,000 fine.
Hong Kong influencer among 7 arrested for allegedly promoting bookmaking
As of Monday afternoon, the man was still being held for questioning.
Last month, officers from the New Territories South regional crime unit arrested seven social media influencers on suspicion of using online platforms to promote overseas gambling websites that accepted bets on World Cup football matches and horse racing.
Among the suspects was local actress Bui Yee-lam, 28, also known as Chantale Belle or Bui Yee, who has more than 220,000 followers on Instagram. She has starred in films such as To Love or Not to Love (2017), Delete My Love and I Sell Love (2014), and has appeared in television and online shows in recent years.
All the suspects have been released on bail pending further investigation.
