Police arrest 58 in tri-controlled syndicate crackdown involving youth

Police arrested 58 people, including 10 students as young as 14, in an operation targeting triad-controlled premises.

The Organised Crime and Triad Bureau discovered early this year that two triad syndicates lured young people into committing crimes.

Undercover officers infiltrated the syndicates.

They found the syndicates gained trust from young people before forcing them to join, luring them with quick cash to commit crimes such as criminal damage and drug trafficking.

Police raided multiple illegal gambling dens and vice establishments controlled by the syndicates across Hong Kong on Thursday.

Among the 58 arrested for offences including illegal unlawful imprisonment, criminal damage and intimidation, 21 had triad background.

Police said operations were ongoing and did not rule out further arrests.