Abby Choi’s mother rejects ex-husband’s money claims
HK01 · 12 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago6 MIN
Summary
At the 14th day of the High Court trial over the death of socialite Abby Choi, her mother Cheung Yin-fa (張燕花) continued giving evidence under cross-examination by counsel for third defendant Kwong Kong-chi (鄺港智). She rejected the defence case that Kwong had been financially successful in mainland China, had paid her HK$370,000 to settle gambling debts, or had materially supported her over the years. Cheung instead said the money in dispute came from the sale of a vehicle and a Hainan property that she said ultimately belonged to Choi, and she maintained that Kwong and the Kwong family had initially resisted selling the Kadoorie Hill flat. On re-examination, Cheung said she only learned from news reports that her daughter had died and described being unable to eat or sleep after police contacted her about the condition of the body.
Key Points
- Three defendants — Kwong Kong-kit, Kwong Kau and Kwong Kong-chi — deny murder over Choi’s death on 21 February 2023, while Kwong Kong-kit and Kwong Kong-chi admit preventing lawful burial of the body and Kwong Kau denies that charge.
- Cheung said Kwong had not used violence against Choi before, but claimed that after June 2022 there were threats and frequent arguments linked to the proposed sale of the Kadoorie Hill property.
- The defence said Kwong had paid Cheung about HK$370,000 to clear gambling debts, but she denied this and said the sum came from selling a mainland vehicle and a Hainan property.
- Cheung accepted she owed Kwong about HK$150,000 for purchases he made on her behalf, but condemned him for “counting even HK$150,000” after years of support from her and Choi.
- Asked about gambling, Cheung admitted going to mahjong parlours about twice a week with stakes of around HK$80,000 to HK$100,000 per session, but denied having gambling debts or that Choi remortgaged a Manhattan Hill flat to repay them.
Why It Matters
The cross-examination goes to motive, money flows and family control over assets and children, all central issues in one of Hong Kong’s most closely watched murder trials. Cheung’s evidence also shows how the defence is testing her credibility through message records, alleged debts and disputed business dealings, matters that may shape how the jury assesses the family’s conflicts before Choi’s death.