The Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB) launched "Operations CROWBEAK and WINDSHIELD" with all Regions during the 2018 World Cup in June and July to combat illegal bookmaking activities. Apart from stepping up intelligence gathering and law enforcement, the operations would focus on disseminating the message of anti-illegal gambling to the public through education and prevention.

On the opening match of the World Cup tournament on June 14, officers of Regional Crime Prevention Offices distributed posters, leaflets and souvenirs at bars and restaurants to remind the public of the penalties in illegal soccer betting and urge them to report such criminal activities.

On the other hand, officers of OCTB and Hong Kong Island Region, in collaboration with representatives of the Home Affairs Bureau (HAB), Ping Wo Fund and the Betting and Lotteries Commission, went to Lan Kwai Fong and Wan Chai to caution customers and the local communities against illegal gambling. The general public were reminded not to engage in illegal soccer betting, through a street theatre video in the social media as well as through the media and other publicity channels.

On June 16, Chief Superintendent of OCTB Man Tat-shing attended the "Enjoy the Game, Say No to Gambling - Football x Art Carnival", co-organised by the HAB, the Ping Wo Fund and the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs), to raise public awareness against illegal gambling.

On the enforcement front, crime and operations units at the Police Headquarters, Regions and Districts have mounted a series of intelligence-led operations to combat illegal bookmaking activities.