Last Wednesday (21st), law enforcement received a report from two elders stating that they had received flyers near their residences. The flyers claimed that someone was willing to donate to charity and would give HK$1,500 in cash. After contacting the other party according to the phone number on the flyer, the victim followed the instructions and boarded a residential unit in Kowloon District. During this period, the other party asked them to provide proof of address, and used a pre-prepared mobile phone application to take personal photos of the two people, and then issued the cash as a reward.
During the process, two elderly people were informed that their personal information might be used to open an online account. They felt something was wrong. After discussing with their family members, they decided to report the case. After in-depth investigation and intelligence analysis, the police identified a money laundering group active in Kowloon District. As of yesterday (27th), they took action and arrested 3 men and 5 women (aged 17 to 81) on suspicion of "conspiracy to launder money".
The arrested persons included a group leader, 2 key members and 5 members responsible for recruiting the elderly. They reported themselves as retired people, housewives, cleaners and unemployed. Among them, the group leader and key members were responsible for setting up online accounts for the elderly. . During the operation, officers seized 28 mobile phones, proof of address believed to be the victim's, a stack of promotional leaflets and about HK$50,000 in cash.
Intelligence showed that between July and August this year, the criminal group falsely claimed that enthusiastic people were distributing donations, induced the elderly to provide personal information, illegally opened at least 11 online banking accounts, and then set account names and passwords without authorization, thereby collecting money. Proceeds of crime from various scams. Once the bank approves the application, the account falls under the control of the group. Law enforcement authorities believe that this operation has successfully dismantled the money laundering syndicate. All arrested persons are currently being detained for investigation.
Original URL:on.cc
