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Officers of Police Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB), together with the Financial Investigations Division of Narcotics Bureau and Crime Unit of New Territories North mounted an operation codenamed "Firepage" to combat money laundering activities by triad societies yesterday (August 2).
After in-depth investigations, Police raided a total of 21 locations in the territory during early hours yesterday and arrested 84 men and 46 women aged between 30 and 69. They were suspected in connection with a variety of offences including money laundering, gambling in illegal gambling establishments, managing vice establishments, selling dutiable fuel and other triad related offences.
During the operation, Police seized about $3.4 million cash (including Hong Kong dollars and foreign currencies), 11 watches and two private cars, with a total value of $8 million.
Police investigations revealed that the target triad societies were in connection with money laundering activities involving over $300 million. The operation is still under way.
The operation is part of the Operation Thunderbolt mounted by Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau Police authorities this year. Combating target triad personalities and activities as well as confiscating their crime proceeds is one of the Commissioner﷿s Operational Priorities. Police will continue to mount intelligence-led operations against triad and money laundering activities.
Add Police Report No. 162
Ends/Friday, August 3, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:01
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