Police anti-triad operation results in 119 arrests

Following a two-week anti-triad operation, police reported on Monday (Aug. 5) that they had detained 119 individuals.

Officers said they shut down five alleged vice establishments, seven suspected gambling dens, as well as a facility they believe was being used to manufacture illegal drugs.

Senior Inspector Thomas Anthony Lo said the force believes it also busted a syndicate that had scammed people selling luxury goods on social media by making purchases with fake banknotes.

"The group would claim to help the victims inspect and authenticate the items they were selling. At the same time, the alleged scammers would use transparent, plastic bags that contained a pile of cash to district the victims. The victims would also be instructed to go to another room to give their signatures," Lo said.

"During this period, the syndicate would take the opportunity to take away the victims' valuables, leave the scene and never return."

Lo said the victims, who lost HK$2 million between them, later realized that only the banknotes on the top and bottom of the stacks were real and the rest were counterfeit.

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