Police said on Saturday that the operation, launched last month, had dismantled an illegal debt collection syndicate, along with a prostitution venue, a drug den and three illegal gambling parlours.
Fifty-seven people, aged 14 to 70, were arrested and some of them had triad backgrounds, police said.
Inspector To Hing-lui said officers identified a triad-controlled illegal debt collection syndicate following an investigation, intelligence analysis and a review of surveillance footage.
The investigation found that the syndicate specifically recruited young people eager to make “quick cash” to take part in illegal debt collection through messaging apps and everyday social settings.
After securing debt collection orders via online groups or referrals from criminals, core members would use messaging groups under their management to subcontract the work to the young recruits for a fee ranging from HK$500 to HK$800.
Common collection tactics included splashing red paint, and making harassing phone calls or threats via WhatsApp.
