Hidden gambling operations in Yuen Long now revealed

In a two-week operation, Hong Kong police have arrested 122 individuals linked to illegal gambling and entertainment activities in Yuen Long.

The operation, which concluded on 10 April, led to the closure of three underground gambling dens, three unlicensed bars, and a drug den.

Those arrested range in age from 14 to 67 and include members of local triad groups. They are facing a range of charges, including operating illegal gambling venues, drug trafficking, managing unlicensed bars, and money laundering. According to authorities, the illegal operations were discreetly set up in industrial buildings and other concealed locations, often fitted with surveillance systems to avoid detection.

A police spokesperson said the venues were equipped with sophisticated security features such as CCTV cameras and soundproofing to shield activities from nearby residents. Entry was tightly controlled and generally limited to loyal patrons or those introduced by trusted sources.

During the raids, officers seized gambling equipment, alcohol, and other illegal items with a total estimated value exceeding HK$500,000 (US$64,000). The locations were often found in so-called “three-nil” buildings—properties without resident committees, owners’ corporations, or formal management, making them harder to monitor.

Police say the operation is part of an ongoing crackdown on organized crime in the region and have pledged to continue targeting illegal enterprises operating under the radar.