Speaking on his first day as Hong Kong's police commissioner, Tsang Yam-pui confirmed a newspaper report that policemen were suspected of taking part in the operation of the illegal bookmaking ring.
The widely-circulated Apple Daily newspaper reported on Tuesday that some 100 officers were under investigation, but Tsang declined to say how many were thought to be involved.
The new commissioner said the case would be dealt with fairly and properly regardless of the people involved, and that the discipline within the police force remained sound.
Tsang, 54, a brother of Hong Kong Financial Secretary Donald Tsang, replaced Eddie Hui who went on pre-retirement leave starting on Tuesday.
The only legal forms of gambling in Hong Kong are horse-racing and the "Mark Six" lottery, both of which are operated by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Illegal bookmaking has been a major problem for the Jockey Club and has eroded significantly the annual increases in its betting turnover.
Reuters
Hong Kong's top policeman said on Tuesday an investigation had been ordered into an illegal soccer gambling ring suspected to involve police officers.
