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. The Hong Kong police have launched the Gobi and Wind Shield operations to combat illegal offshore gambling through publicity, education, intelligence gathering, and law enforcement. The police pointed out that in recent years, illegal gambling has shown a trend of digitalization, including online betting, recruiting gamblers via social media, and settling bets with virtual currencies. The police stated that they still have the ability 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 50,000 Hong Kong dollars; accepting bets carries a maximum penalty of 7 years in prison and a fine of 5 million Hong Kong dollars; and money laundering carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison and a fine of 5 million Hong Kong dollars. The police also shared the case of a young man who was addicted to offshore gambling, who at his peak owed 160,000 Hong Kong dollars. A police clinical psychologist warned that those who start gambling before the age of 18 have a risk of developing gambling disorder later in life as high as over 80%. (Sing Tao Daily)