Organized crime and triad investigation unit (O记) has successfully dismantled criminal networks of two prominent triad societies involving juveniles in serious offenses such as drug trafficking, physical assault, extortion, and money laundering after months of covert operations. The operation, code-named "Racing Wheel," resulted in the arrest of 58 suspects, including 10 students and 13 minors, with the youngest being 14 years old. These triads initially built trust with teenagers through casual interactions and then lured them into joining the groups under the guise of simple initiation rituals and false promises of easy money.
According to Inspector Chan Pak Ki from the Organized Crime and Triad Investigation Unit, triads exploited the desire of young people to find acceptance and companionship, using online and offline channels. In the online sphere, triads reached out through popular gaming groups and social media platforms like WhatsApp. Offline, they targeted teenagers during holidays in venues frequented by young people. Once trust was established, triads would force these teenagers into participating in illegal activities ranging from violence and intimidation to drug trafficking and money laundering. Inspector Chan emphasized that black society manipulated minors for the front-line operations and used coercive methods to control them, which was extremely cruel and aggressive.
Following several months of covert operations, the police launched a targeted crackdown on October 29. At various locations in Hong Kong, Kowloon, and New Territories, they arrested 58 suspects, ranging in age from 14 to 73. Among the apprehended, 21 had triad backgrounds, 10 of whom were currently studying. The arrested included multiple suspects under the age of 18. They were charged with offenses including claiming to be triad members, being members of a triad, inviting others to join, criminal assault, extortion, criminal damage, money laundering, possession of weapons, illegal detention, operating gambling venues, and drug trafficking. The operation disrupted the income streams of the involved triads. Inspector Chan reiterated the police's commitment to combating triad activities and protecting young people from being exploited by criminal groups. She appealed to parents to closely monitor their children's social circles and financial activities to prevent them from falling into black society's "quick money" traps.