Police conduct anti-illegal gambling operation during 2026 FIFA World Cup
Police conducted a territory-wide anti-illegal gambling operation codenamed “CROWBEAK” cum “WINDSHIELD” during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June and July. During the operation, Police arrested 991 people and seized over $365 million in betting records, as well as over $7.4 million in cash and assets.
The Hong Kong Police, Photo source: reference image
During the operation, Police raided 249 premises suspected of being linked to illegal gambling activities and arrested 991 people (645 males and 346 females, aged between 16 and 93) for offences including “engaging in bookmaking”, “promoting or facilitating bookmaking”, “betting with a bookmaker”, “operating illegal gambling establishments”, “dealing with property known or reasonably believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence” (commonly known as “money laundering”), etc.
Police seized suspected crime proceeds comprising about $3 million in cash and $4.4 million worth of valuables. Additionally, 43 computers and 443 mobile phones suspected of facilitating bookmaking activities were seized. The aggregate value of betting records uncovered in the operation was $365 million.
The final of 2026 FIFA World Cup, Photo source: AP News
Moreover, on the education front, Police conducted a series of preventive education campaigns under the theme “Stay Away from Illegal Gambling”, including:
• promoting anti-illegal gambling messages via media and online channels, including producing a promotional video (www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyDaXOZv6TA);
• broadcasting promotional videos, distributing leaflets and displaying posters at entertainment venues and strategic locations in various districts; and
• collaborating closely with the communities, schools, government departments and other organisations to enhance the promotion of anti-illegal gambling messages through various channels.
Police appeal to the public that in accordance with the Gambling Ordinance (Cap. 148), anyone who bets with a bookmaker commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $50,000 and nine months’ imprisonment on conviction. Anyone who engages in bookmaking, or promotes or facilitates bookmaking, commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine of $5 million and seven years’ imprisonment on conviction. A person would still be liable to the offences even if the gambling website is hosted overseas yet he/she engaged in its operation in Hong Kong.
The final of 2026 FIFA World Cup, Photo source: AP News
