Hong Kong police arrest 6 suspected teenage triad members involved in scuffling
- Senior Inspector Lau Chi-fung says the suspects, aged 15 to 18, arrested over offences such as claiming to be triad members and possessing weapons
- Lau calls for parents and educators to pay closer attention to youths to prevent them from being exposed to gangs
Hong Kong police have arrested six suspected teenage triad members involved in scuffling, with one extendable baton found during the arrest operation.
The force revealed on Saturday that the six males, aged 15 to 18, were arrested on Friday in an operation targeting game centres, places of public entertainment and basketball courts – places where the force believe young triad members often loitered.
Senior Inspector Lau Chi-fung said the suspects were apprehended over offences of claiming to be a member of a triad society, inciting others to join an unlawful society, possession of weapons and fighting in public.
“Officers of the anti-triad unit in Eastern district had seen some active members of a youth gang who lured and coerced teenagers to join the society, while claiming to be in a powerful triad,” he said.
Lai said some suspects said they were unemployed, or worked as waiters, while some were still in school.
Four suspects were still in police custody and two were released on bail, he added.
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Lau said the officers would continue to conduct frequent inspections at places where triad members were known to gather in the next two to three months before the school summer break.
“We will work with stakeholders to help young people build positive values and strengthen their awareness of observing laws,” he said.
Inspector Lau also urged parents and educators to pay attention to youths to prevent them from being exposed to gang members.
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A person who uses violence, threats or intimidation to induce others to join a triad society can face five years in jail and a fine of HK$250,000 (US$31,930).
Earlier this month, police arrested a 24-year-old alleged male mastermind and a 22-year-old female accomplice, who were suspected of staging traffic accidents to defraud drivers.
Another seven secondary school student suspects were also arrested for playing the role of injured passengers during the fake accidents.
Criminals often took advantage of teenagers by enticing them to commit illegal acts, police said.
