Hong Kong police have dismantled a sophisticated phone scam syndicate operating across the New Territories South region, arresting three suspects two men and one woman aged between 22 and 24 linked to at least 15 separate fraud cases involving losses of more than HK$10 million. The coordinated operations, executed by the Criminal Investigation Division throughout June, underline growing concerns over phone scams targeting vulnerable residents with increasingly elaborate tactics.
Law enforcement revealed that among those arrested is a local law student who, in pursuit of quick cash, jeopardised their future for a paltry reward of around a thousand dollars. Authorities warned that participating in such schemes, even for minor financial gain, makes individuals complicit in crimes that can carry severe legal consequences.
Victims Coerced Into Secrecy and Isolation
The syndicate’s modus operandi involved calling victims aged between 26 and 84 with fabricated accusations of involvement in mainland Chinese criminal activities. The scammers impersonated Hong Kong law enforcement officers and bank staff, warning victims of imminent arrest or asset freezes if they disclosed the calls. Under pressure, some victims were coerced into renting hotel rooms to isolate themselves, where they were met by fraudsters posing as officials.
To enhance their ruse, the scammers wore formal attire, presented fake law enforcement credentials, and pressured victims into signing counterfeit confidentiality agreements while demanding collateral payments. This high-pressure deception resulted in losses ranging from HK$140,000 to as much as HK$3 million. In one case, a 27-year-old office clerk borrowed heavily from friends to transfer HK$3 million to the scammers, suffering devastating financial harm.
Arrests Yield Counterfeit Documents and Evidence
A critical breakthrough occurred on June 16 when officers arrested a 24-year-old man dressed in business attire moments before he could finalise a bogus confidentiality agreement with a victim. A search revealed forged police appointment certificates and fake confidentiality agreements purporting to be from Mainland Chinese authorities. Police believe the suspect, a computer technician, was involved in at least seven cases of impersonating officials.
A separate case on June 25 involved a 26-year-old doctoral student from the mainland who received a scam call alleging his phone number’s involvement in a money laundering case. Unlike other victims, he quickly suspected foul play and contacted police, avoiding financial loss.
Another suspect, a 22-year-old local woman, is implicated in at least seven incidents occurring between April and June. The scammers she worked with called victims, cited personal information such as names and ID numbers to induce fear, and manipulated victims into revealing more details or transferring money.
Youth Participation and Exploitation on the Rise
The involvement of a law student among those arrested has sparked particular alarm. Police expressed concern that, especially during the summer holiday period, criminal syndicates are increasingly targeting young people with promises of easy money in exchange for participation in illicit activities ranging from fraud to more serious crimes such as drug trafficking and violent offences.
“Regardless of whether young people are coerced or lured by money, once they knowingly participate in these scams, they become accomplices,” police warned, emphasising that seemingly minor roles can have life-altering consequences.
Severe Legal Consequences for Fraud Offences
Authorities reiterated that under Hong Kong law, crimes such as “obtaining property by deception” carry a maximum prison sentence of 10 years, while “conspiracy to defraud” can lead to up to 14 years behind bars. Given the severity and rising frequency of phone scams, police stated they would seek the Department of Justice’s guidance on pursuing enhanced penalties against those convicted.
During the operations, officers also seized multiple items of evidence, including forged documents, fake police credentials, and attire resembling official uniforms, highlighting the sophistication of the syndicate’s methods.
As Hong Kong battles a surge in telephone scams, police urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious calls immediately, reminding residents that legitimate law enforcement will never demand secrecy, payments, or personal isolation.
The arrests mark a significant step in dismantling phone scam networks and send a strong message about the legal and personal risks of engaging in such crimes.
