Hong Kong police have arrested 57 people, including a 14-year-old boy, in a crackdown on triad-linked illegal debt collection, according to News - South China Morning Post. The operation, launched last month, aimed to dismantle an illegal debt collection syndicate. This crackdown resulted in the arrest of individuals aged 14 to 70, with some having triad backgrounds.
The operation led to the dismantling of not only the debt collection syndicate but also a prostitution venue, a drug den, and three illegal gambling parlours. Inspector To Hing-lui stated that officers identified a triad-controlled operation, highlighting the organized nature of the illegal activities. Fifty-seven people were arrested in total, indicating a significant disruption to the triad-linked activities.
The crackdown is significant as it targets triad-linked illegal activities, which are known to pose serious threats to public safety and order in Hong Kong. The fact that a 14-year-old was involved suggests the syndicate's reach and the need for such enforcement actions.