Hong Kong police arrest 5 suspected triad members after 30 thugs storm mahjong parlour to collect HK$60 million debt

On the first night of the operation, police detained another nine men and three women in a series of raids in the region. Officers also closed down three gambling premises and a drug den.

A source familiar with the case said the crackdown mainly targeted Wo Shing Wo triad-controlled entertainment venues such as pubs, drug dens and gambling establishments in Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po.

A preliminary investigation suggested a Wo Shing Wo faction was responsible for the attempted debt collection on Monday, he said.

Suspected Hong Kong triad leader, 34 others arrested after gang storms office

The source said no weapons were used during the forceful entry, but the gangsters had occupied every corner of the parlour and blocked the entrance. Some of them were seen shouting at staff members.

Security camera footage showed one of the thugs had picked up a chair and hurled it towards a mahjong table. Several women rushed out of the premises and about 10 gangsters stood guard near the exit, but did not stop them from leaving.

The gang stayed at the parlour for several minutes and left before officers arrived, according to the force.

The source said one of the owners of the mahjong parlour was the former leader of the Wo Shing Wo triad, who was also known as “Fei Kin” in triad circles. The owners also operate another gaming den in Mong Kok.

Hong Kong’s Northern Metropolis draws triad activity, 180 arrested in crackdown

On July 30, more than 10 thugs rushed into the Mong Kok parlour to collect a HK$60 million debt. Police arrested 11 visitors from mainland China for unlawful assembly in connection with the case.

The source said an initial investigation suggested the debt involved a former owner of the parlour, who sold his shares to “Fei Kin” in May.

As mainland visitors were recruited for the July incident, the source said it was possible some of the thugs involved in the storming of the parlour on Monday could have included travellers from across the border.

The investigation was still under way and further arrests were possible, according to police.

“Police absolutely do not tolerate any triad-related activities,” Chief Inspector Patrick Tse Yu-ngai of Sham Shui Po police said on Tuesday, stressing that the force was determined to crack down on such crime.

In May, police arrested an alleged Wo Shing Wo triad leader and his 34 followers after they descended on the Tsim Sha Tsui office of a mainland-based company during an apparent attempt to recover HK$19 million lost on stocks.

The 48-year-old man, known as “Temple Street Long” due to gang activity in the Jordan area, and his 34 alleged followers were detained on suspicion of unlawful assembly.

Between January and June this year, police handled 912 reports of triad-related crimes, up 7.2 per cent from 851 cases logged in the same period last year.