Police have arrested 23 people involved in a gambling syndicate after a year-long covert operation. 

The syndicate, believed to be triad-controlled, lured housewives and domestic helpers to play card games and cheated them out of their money.

Police this morning raided a number of locations throughout the territory. Sixteen men and seven women, aged 22 to 60, were arrested for conspiracy to cheat at gambling.

Some cash and gambling tools were also seized during the operation.

The operation is continuing and all those arrested have been detained for enquiries.

People who might have been deceived in similar ways are urged to contact the police at 2860 8366.