Hong Kong police dismantle major crime syndicates

Hong Kong police have dismantled two major organized crime syndicates following intensive undercover operations in West Kowloon and Tsim Sha Tsui.

In one operation, authorities arrested 127 individuals linked to a Vietnamese-led loan-sharking syndicate. The group allegedly targeted the local Vietnamese community, charging exorbitant interest rates of up to 3,700 percent. Beyond illegal moneylending, the syndicate was suspected of operating gambling venues, unlicensed bars, and providing counterfeit identity documents to undocumented immigrants. Some victims were reportedly subjected to threats, assault, or unlawful detention.

A separate crackdown targeted a transnational human trafficking and prostitution ring involving local and Thai nationals. Police arrested 16 people, including seven core members and nine Thai sex workers. The syndicate utilized social media platforms to solicit clients for services provided in Tsim Sha Tsui hotels, reportedly taking a 70 percent commission from the workers. During the raids, officers seized approximately HK$18 million in cash and froze over HK$5 million in suspected criminal proceeds. The group was also investigated for money laundering through personal bank accounts.