α-Bromo ketones are versatile intermediates of high practical utility. Traditional approaches to these compounds are restricted to a relatively hazardous/complex reagent combination, a long reaction time, the use of non-environmentally friendly solvents, or a limited substrate scope. Herein, we describe the development of a new methodology for the preparation of α-bromo ketones from alkenes using 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBH) as a bromine source and an oxidant simultaneously. This easy to carry out two-step one-pot protocol proceeds in water and provides high yield of a great variety of α-bromo ketones. Addition of an amine to the intermediate α-bromo ketone further enables the preparation of α-amino ketones in a one-pot sequence.