In the ICAC’s operation “Tenacity” mounted last month, multiple individuals were arrested for allegedly bribing members of football clubs for match-fixing to facilitate profiting from illegal gambling. While the relevant corruption investigation is ongoing, the Commission today (June 26) laid holding charges against three of the arrestees with betting with a bookmaker in view of the limit of time for prosecuting the offence concerned.

Two of the defendants, Chiu Chung-man, 54; and Ho Sze-hon, 45, are both betting agents. At the material time, Chiu was also the head coach of Hong Kong Rangers Football Club (also known as Biu Chun Rangers). A holding charge of conspiracy to bet with a bookmaker, contrary to section 8 of the Gambling Ordinance and section 159A of the Crimes Ordinance, was laid against the duo.

Liang Ngai-tung, 19, defender of Sham Shui Po Sports Association (SSPSA), faces a holding charge of betting with a bookmaker, contrary to section 8 of the Gambling Ordinance.

The trio were released on ICAC bail. The cases will be mentioned at the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (June 27).

In the 2023/24 football season, Biu Chun Rangers, SSPSA, Eastern Sports Club Football Team (Eastern FC) and HK U23 Football Team (HKU23) competed in the Hong Kong Premier League organised by The Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HK Football Association). Betting on local matches organised by the HK Football Association is strictly prohibited.

Chiu and Ho allegedly conspired together to place bets with a bookmaker on December 30, 2023 in the JC Sapling Cup match held between SSPSA and HKU23.

It is also alleged that between May 30 and June 5 2024, Liang placed numerous bets with a bookmaker through a mobile application, including placing bet in the Football Association Cup match held between SSPSA and Eastern FC on June 1, 2024.

HK Football Association has rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its investigation into the cases.