Hong Kong Police Launch 'Gobi and Wind Shield' Operations to Combat Illegal Gambling During World Cup and Trace Virtual Asset Bets

Odaily Planet Daily News The World Cup will kick off on June 11. The Hong Kong police have launched the Gobi and Wind Shield operations to combat illegal offshore gambling through publicity, education, intelligence, and law enforcement. The police noted that in recent years, illegal gambling has shown a trend of digitalization, including online betting, recruitment of gamblers through 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' imprisonment and a fine of HKD 50,000. Accepting bets can lead to a maximum of 7 years' imprisonment and a fine of HKD 5 million. Money laundering carries a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment and a fine of HKD 5 million. The police also shared a case of a young man who was once addicted to offshore gambling, who at his peak was in debt of HKD 160,000. A police clinical psychologist warned that the risk of developing gambling disorders later in life for those who start gambling before the age of 18 is as high as over 80%. (Sing Tao Daily)