Assistant trainers among 21 arrested in Hong Kong in illegal bookmaking probe

Anti-corruption police in Hong Kong have arrested 21 people in connection with a suspected illegal bookmaking ring, including six licensed Jockey Club staff members.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) announced the arrests on Monday as part of Operation Iron Triangle, with the bookmaking ring suspected of having used "privileged information" from Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) employees, including two assistant trainers. Four stable staff were among those arrested.

The ICAC stated 15 people were operating the bookmaking syndicate from a residential premises in Tsuen Wan with the assistance of the six HKJC staff members, according to the report in the South China Morning Post.

In a statement, an ICAC spokesman said: "A total of 21 persons, including two assistant trainers and four stable staff of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, were arrested for suspected corruption in relation to the provision of privileged information to facilitate illegal bookmaking and control of racehorses.

“The HKJC has rendered full assistance to the ICAC during its operation. The ICAC and the HKJC do not tolerate any corrupt activities. The two organisations will continue to liaise and cooperate closely to combat related crimes and keep horseracing in Hong Kong clean.”

The HKJC said in a statement that it has "zero tolerance for any illegal acts or activities of its employees". The statement added: "The club does not comment on any cases being investigated by ICAC. However, the club would like to emphasise that upholding uncompromising integrity has always been the core value of the club."

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