Published on: November 17, 2025, 05:41h.
Updated on: November 17, 2025, 05:41h.
- Authorities uncover significant triad-associated gambling and money laundering operation
- Law enforcement seizes large amounts of cash and property, arresting suspected mastermind
- Crackdown underscores increasing conflict against organized crime in Hong Kong
Authorities in Hong Kong have reported the dismantling of a HK$1.1 billion (approximately US$142 million) gambling and money laundering scheme linked to the Sun Yee On triad, one of the region’s most established organized crime syndicates.
Fifteen individuals were apprehended during the operations, which marked the conclusion of a year-long investigative initiative focusing on properties located in the New Territories and Kowloon districts of Hong Kong. Among those arrested was the alleged leader, identified as a 35-year-old high-ranking member of the Sun Yee On, according to police reports.
Millions in Assets Confiscated
The investigation initiated following the detection of organized crime activities in Hong Kong’s affluent Tsim Sha Tsui neighborhood, which included illegal gambling, narcotics, loan-sharking, and extortion. Officers also targeted two clandestine gambling establishments connected to the organization.
Superintendent Ching Chi-yan, who serves as an assistant commander within the Yau Tsim police district, mentioned the suspect solely by the alias “Lo Yin.” Ching indicated that Lo Yin enlisted both his wife and girlfriend to assist in managing the operation.
Law enforcement seized HK$24.7 million (around US$3.2 million) in cash and assets from the suspect’s residence. This total included HK$16 million (approximately US$2.1 million) in cash, as well as five luxury watches valued at approximately HK$7 million (US$900,000), accompanied by jewelry, designer handbags, and various foreign currencies. Additionally, police froze nine bank accounts holding HK$1.6 million (approximately US$210,000).
Understanding the Sun Yee On Triad
Sun Yee On is one of the oldest and most influential triad societies in Hong Kong, boasting over 25,000 members globally. Its criminal enterprises encompass extortion, loan sharking, drug distribution, and illegal gambling.
The Sun Yee On syndicate competes for power over these illegal activities with rival groups such as 14K, Wo Shing Wo, and Chiu Chow.
The organization purportedly funneled its money through a seemingly legitimate finance company that operated as a money laundering center, as per police findings.
Investigators revealed that from 2016 to the present, 21 personal bank accounts associated with the syndicate processed around HK$200 million (approximately US$26 million) in questionable transactions, many linked to individuals with little to no declared income.
Since 2020, three business accounts under the same financial entity managed roughly HK$960 million (approximately US$124 million).
The detained suspects included ten men and five women aged between 27 and 62 years old, with five already facing charges and scheduled for appearances at Kowloon City Court on Monday, according to police sources.
Government Action Against Organized Crime
This incident comes amid a strengthened initiative by the Hong Kong government to combat illegal gambling and the infiltration of organized crime.
Most gambling activities are illegal under Hong Kong law unless specifically sanctioned, with exceptions made for horse racing, football betting, and state-run lotteries.
Recent statistics from the Hong Kong government indicate that between 2021 and May 2024, police arrested 5,731 individuals in 2021 for illicit gambling offenses, 6,781 in 2022, and 6,101 in 2023.