The Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB) co-ordinated the launching of Operations CROWBEAK and WINDSHIELD with the relevant Formations from May to July to combat illegal bookmaking activities. Apart from stepping up intelligence gathering and law enforcement, the Force relayed the message of deterring illegal gambling to the public through education and prevention.

With the support of the Crime Prevention Bureau and Regional Crime Prevention Offices, a series of posters and leaflets were produced for distribution at bars and restaurants to remind the public of the penalty of illegal gambling and urge them to report such activities.

Moreover, the OCTB and the Hong Kong Jockey Club jointly produced a video for broadcast on televisions, and similar message was disseminated through newspapers and magazines. In addition, an OCTB officer attended a radio programme to remind the public against breaching the law inadvertently.

On the aspect of law enforcement, a total of 103 persons were arrested and over $586 million in betting records plus $3 million in cash were seized during the operations. The amount of seizure was the highest among similar operations in recent years.