July 30, 2024
By Anjali Kochhar
Hong Kong police have made numerous arrests in connection with a scheme involving counterfeit banknotes designed to defraud cryptocurrency holders. Four people, including a 14-year-old, were arrested as part of a crackdown on a gang accused of scamming victims of HK$11 million (US$1.4 million) in cryptocurrencies since October last year.
Chief Inspector Lo Yuen-shan of the Commercial Crime Bureau revealed that the recent arrests brought the total number of suspects detained in related cases to 14. The four individuals, aged between 14 and 39, were charged with conspiracy to defraud and possession of 5,000 counterfeit banknotes. They were arrested on Friday following an extensive investigation.
Senior Inspector Mak Wai-kwong cautioned young people against engaging in criminal activities for quick financial gains. “With the summer holiday in full swing, it’s crucial for young residents to be aware of the dangers of being recruited for scams,” he advised.
The suspects operated as a well-organised syndicate with clearly defined roles. Two of the individuals were responsible for procuring the fake banknotes and setting up a location that appeared to be a legitimate cryptocurrency exchange. They also targeted potential victims online, posing as credible cryptocurrency investors offering prices above the market rate for virtual currencies.
The other two suspects managed the logistics of the operation, retrieving the counterfeit notes from a mini-storage facility in Mong Kok. The masterminds transformed a nearby premises to mimic a legitimate business, where they enticed victims with the appearance of a substantial cash reserve.
In their scheme, the fraudsters used stacks of fake HK$1,000 banknotes. Only the top and bottom notes were genuine, while the rest were counterfeit. The victims were persuaded to complete transactions online after being shown the fake money, leading them to trust the scammers. Once the cryptocurrency was transferred, the suspects swiftly removed the assets from the victims’ accounts and refused to complete the transactions.
Inspector Mak emphasised the need for increased vigilance and recommended that residents check for shimmering patterns on banknotes to verify their authenticity. The consequences for producing, circulating, or using counterfeit notes in Hong Kong are severe, with a maximum penalty of 14 years imprisonment.
The recent arrests underscore the ongoing issue of financial fraud in Hong Kong and serve as a warning to the public to remain cautious of fraudulent schemes.
About the author
Anjali Kochhar covers cryptocurrency stories in India as well as globally. Having been in the field of media and journalism for over three years now, she has developed a sharp news sense and works hard to present information that goes beyond the obvious. She is an avid reader and loves writing on a wide range of subjects.
