Thief Attempts Robbery in Hong Kong Over Gambling Debt, Makes Huge Mistake

A piece inward Hong Kong wanted to plectron upward some duplicate cash, so he thought a warm robbery would doh the trick. As police force would feel come out later, he needful the money to plow gaming debts. But his modus operandi included single stair that would instantly touch off him up.

The South Communist China Morning Post reported that the adult male attacked a nurse outside the Haven of Bob Hope Hospital inward Tseung Kwan type O after she finished her shift. He grabbed her from slow and attempted to slip her wrinkle and watch.

A bystander saw the battle and tried to intervene. The attacker made his escape, but left hand a immense clew behindhand that made it loose for law to rails him down.

Not the Caper of the Century

The unidentified bystander gave chase, but the robber got away. It didn’t matter, however, since he had dropped his pocketbook at the scene. Inside was his identification, gift the constabulary all the ammo they needed.

Police didn’t make to spell far to bump him, either, as he reportedly only when lived well-nigh 500 meters (1,640 feet) from the hospital. Police officers right away paid him a visit and brought a swift declaration to the case. He has not been identified.

In his apartment, the officers found the victim’s purse and her watch. The robber had dumped her belongings en route to his hideout, so she, fortunately, was able to retrieve everything.

As the officers questioned the 34-year-old criminal, they learned that he launched the attempt in dictate to make up his play debts. It isn’t clear up how a great deal debt he had, but the amount he stole in all probability wouldn’t make carried him very far. The nurse reportedly had only nigh HK$4,000 (US$512) on her at the time.

Theft is a serious offense inward Hong Kong – even robberies that investigators put up solve in below Little Phoebe minutes. However, according to the SCMP, prosecutors stock-still haven’t charged him. When they do, it’s not potential they testament seek life-time in arrears bars, the upper limit penalty available.

Hong Kong Cracks John L. H. Down on Gambling

Almost all forms of play are illegal inwards Hong Kong, which alongside Macau, is 1 of II China-controlled special self-directed regions. Only some horse racing, association football betting, and drawing options have got authorities approval.

As a result, illegal play has been giving business organization in the territory, lead mainly by Chinese-led triads. The Hong Kong government activity is trying to eradicate the criminal organizations, but faces an uphill battle.

Between October and December, Hong Kong authorities arrested more than 1,600 people they said had ties to triad operations. Many, they said, were high-ranking officials within those gangs.

In December, police force raided 119 locations they had identified as conducting illegal gambling. In addition, during the World Cup inward Nov and December, they arrested 789 mired inward illegal sports betting.