Hong Kong police have announced the arrest of 119 individuals following a two-week operation targeting activities controlled by triads, including drug, sex, and gambling enterprises, as well as various fraud schemes. The operation, codenamed “Rousewit,” was conducted between 21 July and 3 August, focusing on dismantling illegal operations on Hong Kong Island.

Hong Kong Police Arrest 119 in Triad Crackdown Operation “Rousewit”

Key Arrests and Fraud Syndicate Bust

Among the arrests, eight individuals were alleged to be members of a fraud syndicate accused of using counterfeit banknotes to deceive six residents out of luxury goods worth HK$2 million (US$256,142) between March and July. Senior Inspector Thomas Anthony Lo of the Hong Kong Island regional anti-triad squad revealed that the victims were approached while attempting to sell high-end items, such as luxury watches and wine bottles, through online platforms.

The suspects reportedly arranged in-person meetings with the victims, posing as buyers and appraisers. During these meetings, they distracted the sellers with a bundle of cash wrapped in transparent plastic, containing genuine notes only on the top and bottom, while the rest were counterfeit or training notes marked with “practice coupon” in Chinese characters.

Recovery and Seizures

Police successfully recovered stolen goods worth HK$240,000 and seized 1,550 counterfeit notes during the operation. Three men and five women were arrested in connection with the fraud, marking a significant step in curbing the syndicate’s activities.

Broader Impact of Operation “Rousewit”

The operation also involved raids on five vice establishments and seven gambling dens, alongside action against 13 drug-related cases. In one notable instance, officers seized HK$1.9 million worth of suspected cocaine from a residential flat, believed to be part of a drug production operation.

The 119 suspects arrested range in age from 20 to 88, including 88 local residents, 19 visitors from mainland China, and 12 individuals holding a recognisance form—a temporary identification document issued by Hong Kong’s Immigration Department.

Collaborative Efforts

In July, collaborative efforts between Macau and Hong Kong law enforcement agencies resulted in the dismantling of a loan shark syndicate that targeted gamblers, particularly from Hong Kong, in Macau.

Conclusion: The Operation

Operation “Rousewit” underscores the Hong Kong police’s commitment to combating triad-controlled illegal activities. By targeting a wide range of criminal enterprises, including fraud, drug production, and vice operations, the police have made significant strides in improving public safety and disrupting organized crime networks on Hong Kong Island.

FAQs About Hong Kong Police’s Operation “Rousewit”

1. What was the objective of Operation “Rousewit”?

Operation “Rousewit” aimed to target and dismantle triad-controlled activities, including drug, sex, and gambling enterprises, as well as various fraud schemes on Hong Kong Island.

2. How many individuals were arrested during Operation “Rousewit”?

A total of 119 individuals were arrested during the two-week operation.

3. What were the dates of Operation “Rousewit”?

The operation was conducted between 21 July and 3 August.

4. What significant arrest was made related to a fraud syndicate?

Eight individuals alleged to be members of a fraud syndicate were arrested for using counterfeit banknotes to swindle six residents out of HK$2 million (US$256,142) worth of luxury goods.

5. How did the fraud syndicate deceive their victims?

The fraudsters approached victims selling high-end items through online platforms, arranged in-person meetings posing as buyers and appraisers, and distracted them with a bundle of cash wrapped in transparent plastic that contained genuine notes only on the top and bottom, with the rest being counterfeit or training notes.

6. What items were recovered by the police during the operation?

Police recovered stolen goods worth HK$240,000 and seized 1,550 counterfeit notes.

7. What other illegal activities were targeted during Operation “Rousewit”?

The operation involved raids on five vice establishments, seven gambling dens, and action against 13 drug-related cases, including the seizure of HK$1.9 million worth of suspected cocaine.

8. What is the age range and origin of the arrested individuals?

The arrested individuals range in age from 20 to 88, including 88 local residents, 19 visitors from mainland China, and 12 individuals holding a recognisance form issued by Hong Kong’s Immigration Department.

9. What was the result of the collaborative efforts between Macau and Hong Kong law enforcement agencies in July?

The joint efforts led to the dismantling of a loan shark syndicate that targeted gamblers, particularly from Hong Kong, in Macau.

10. What does Operation “Rousewit” signify for public safety in Hong Kong?

Operation “Rousewit” demonstrates the Hong Kong police’s commitment to combating organized crime and improving public safety by targeting a wide range of illegal activities controlled by triads.