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Macau police smash illegal betting ring that took HK$5b in World Cup wagers

Hongkongers arrested in Macau hotel bust as evidence suggests single bet of HK$40m staked on one match. Hours later hotel is raided again

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Hooded and in handcuffs, some of the suspects are paraded before the press as Macau police gave details of the raid.  Photo: SCMP Pictures

A bookmaking racket that allegedly took HK$5 billion in illegal bets on World Cup football matches in a week - including a single HK$40 million bet - has been busted by police in Macau.

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The syndicate was yesterday described by police as the biggest illicit soccer-betting ring uncovered in the gambling haven.

A raid on a hotel on Thursday found the syndicate had turned three rooms into its operations base, taking online bets and telephone orders from around the world, Macau police revealed yesterday.

Four Hong Kong men were among the 22 people, aged 23 to 50, arrested.

Two women were among the nine Malaysians and nine mainlanders also arrested, and police said the suspects included the two alleged ringleaders of the syndicate - a Malaysian and a mainland man.

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Officers are now looking into who was placing the bets.

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