Police Bust Kwun Tong Scam Call Centre, Arrest 20
HK01 · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong police said on 29 September they dismantled a suspected phone scam operation run from a unit in a Kwun Tong industrial building and arrested 20 alleged members. Investigators believe the group, said to be controlled by triad elements, impersonated finance or debt-collection companies and used intimidation to pressure victims into transferring money, with at least 16 cases between June and August involving more than HK$1.3 million.
Key Points
- Chief Inspector To King-sang (陶勁笙) of the East Kowloon Regional Technology and Financial Crime Unit said cases involving threatening debt-collection calls rose from January to June.
- Police said the syndicate used a factory-building unit in Kwun Tong as cover, short-leased premises, and frequently changed addresses, SIM cards and phone numbers.
- Inspector Lo Ka-lam (盧嘉琳) said callers claimed victims had unpaid debts, then exploited panic during office hours to demand immediate transfers into designated bank accounts.
- In the 29 September operation, code-named “Ying Mo” by Sing Tao, officers arrested 14 men and six women aged 20 to 61 for conspiracy to defraud and money laundering.
- Police seized 12 mobile phones, one tablet computer and multiple SIM cards, and said the suspects included one alleged ringleader, three core members or staff, and several mule-account holders.
Why It Matters
The case points to a scam model that relies on stolen or pre-obtained personal data, workplace distraction and fast-moving bank transfers, making verification harder for victims under pressure. Police said the money trail is still being traced and further arrests are possible, while also warning that renting, lending or selling bank accounts or registered SIM cards can expose holders to criminal liability.