Illegal bookmaker charged by ICAC guilty of bookmaking
2024-5-17
An illegal bookmaker, charged by the ICAC following the crackdown of an illegal bookmaking syndicate in an anti-corruption operation, was today (May 17) convicted at the District Court of bookmaking involving bets placed on horse racing totalling up to $38.5 million.
Chu Hoi-kan, 72, was found guilty of one count of bookmaking, contrary to Section 7(1)(a) of the Gambling Ordinance.
Deputy Judge Ms Merinda Chow Yin-chu tentatively adjourned the case to July 4 for mitigation and sentence. The defendant was remanded in custody of the Correctional Services Department.
The Judge also approved the prosecution’s application for a confiscation order and adjourned the relevant hearing to August 1.
The court heard that in around 2017 or 2018, the defendant came to know a businessman, after which he proposed to the businessman to place bets on horse racing with him and offered a 13 per cent discount on any losses.
ICAC enquiries revealed that between mid-September 2018 and October 2019, the defendant engaged in bookmaking by accepting bets totalling $38.5 million placed by the businessman on 14 horse racing days. On each racing day, the total bets ranged from $1 million to $9.5 million.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club had rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.
The prosecution was today represented by prosecuting counsel Michael Delaney, assisted by ICAC officer Kenny Wong.
Chu Hoi-kan, 72, was found guilty of one count of bookmaking, contrary to Section 7(1)(a) of the Gambling Ordinance.
Deputy Judge Ms Merinda Chow Yin-chu tentatively adjourned the case to July 4 for mitigation and sentence. The defendant was remanded in custody of the Correctional Services Department.
The Judge also approved the prosecution’s application for a confiscation order and adjourned the relevant hearing to August 1.
The court heard that in around 2017 or 2018, the defendant came to know a businessman, after which he proposed to the businessman to place bets on horse racing with him and offered a 13 per cent discount on any losses.
ICAC enquiries revealed that between mid-September 2018 and October 2019, the defendant engaged in bookmaking by accepting bets totalling $38.5 million placed by the businessman on 14 horse racing days. On each racing day, the total bets ranged from $1 million to $9.5 million.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club had rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the case.
The prosecution was today represented by prosecuting counsel Michael Delaney, assisted by ICAC officer Kenny Wong.