Illegal bookmaker charged after ICAC cracks down syndicate in graft probe
2021-7-5
An illegal bookmaker netted by the ICAC in an anti-corruption operation resulting in the crack down of an illegal bookmaking syndicate was today (July 5) charged by the Commission with bookmaking involving bets placed on horse racing totalling up to $38.5 million.
Chu Hoi-kan, 69, faces one count of bookmaking, contrary to Section 7(1) of the Gambling Ordinance. His alleged involvement in illegal bookmaking activities was revealed in the course of an ICAC corruption investigation and the relevant charge was laid against him upon legal advice sought from the Department of Justice. The relevant corruption investigation is continuing.
The defendant will appear in the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday (July 7) for the case to be transferred to the District Court for plea. He has been released on ICAC bail, pending his court appearance on Wednesday.
In around 2017 or 2018, the defendant came to know a merchant and invited the latter to place bets with him on horse racing.
The charge alleges that between September 12, 2018 and October 31, 2019, the defendant engaged in bookmaking.
ICAC enquiries revealed that the merchant had placed bets with the defendant on 14 horse racing days. It is alleged that the total daily bets ranged from $1 million to $9.5 million, and the total bets for the 14 days ranged from $25 million to $38.5 million.
Chu Hoi-kan, 69, faces one count of bookmaking, contrary to Section 7(1) of the Gambling Ordinance. His alleged involvement in illegal bookmaking activities was revealed in the course of an ICAC corruption investigation and the relevant charge was laid against him upon legal advice sought from the Department of Justice. The relevant corruption investigation is continuing.
The defendant will appear in the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on Wednesday (July 7) for the case to be transferred to the District Court for plea. He has been released on ICAC bail, pending his court appearance on Wednesday.
In around 2017 or 2018, the defendant came to know a merchant and invited the latter to place bets with him on horse racing.
The charge alleges that between September 12, 2018 and October 31, 2019, the defendant engaged in bookmaking.
ICAC enquiries revealed that the merchant had placed bets with the defendant on 14 horse racing days. It is alleged that the total daily bets ranged from $1 million to $9.5 million, and the total bets for the 14 days ranged from $25 million to $38.5 million.