Hong Kong police launch "Gobi and Wind Shield" operations to crack down on illegal gambling during the World Cup and trace virtual asset bets

Odaily Planet Daily News: The World Cup will kick off on June 11, and the Hong Kong police have launched the Gobi and Wind Shield operations, targeting illegal offshore gambling through publicity, education, intelligence, and law enforcement. The police noted that in recent years, illegal gambling has become increasingly digitalized, including online betting, solicitation of gamblers via social media, and settlement of bets with virtual currencies. The police stated that they still have the capability to trace participants.

According to the law, placing bets with offshore bookmakers carries a maximum penalty of 9 months in prison and a fine of HK$50,000. Accepting bets carries a maximum penalty of 7 years in prison and a fine of HK$5 million. Money laundering carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison and a fine of HK$5 million. The police also shared the case of a young man who was addicted to offshore gambling, at one point owing as much as HK$160,000. A police clinical psychologist warned that those who start gambling before the age of 18 have an over 80% risk of developing gambling disorder later in life. (Sing Tao Daily)