Hong Kong Police Busts Cross-Border Money Laundering Group Involving Virtual Currency

Key Points:

• Hong Kong Police Bust Cross-Border Money Laundering Group: The Hong Kong police dismantle a cross-border money laundering syndicate involved in virtual currency, suspected of laundering over 100 million yuan (approximately $15.5 million).
• Arrests Made, including College Student: Six individuals, including a mastermind and key members, are arrested in the operation. One key member, a college student, is responsible for purchasing virtual currency as part of the money laundering scheme.

In a significant operation as part of the “Thunder 2023” joint action against organized crime, the Hong Kong police successfully dismantled a cross-border money laundering group on July 13th. 

The group is suspected of laundering over 100 million yuan (approximately $15.5 million). Six individuals, including a mastermind and two key members, were arrested, with one key member identified as a college student responsible for purchasing virtual currency.

The investigation was initiated after the police received tip-offs in late April this year, alleging that a criminal syndicate had been utilizing debit cards from mainland banks to collect proceeds from fraudulent activities. The syndicate would then use these debit cards to purchase gold and luxury watches in Hong Kong, which were later resold. The cash generated from these sales was subsequently used to purchase virtual currency, forming the second layer of money laundering.

To exploit the instant credit capabilities of financial institutions before law enforcement agencies could freeze accounts, the group predominantly operated on weekdays. This enabled them to conduct criminal activities swiftly and take advantage of the immediate crediting feature. The group was estimated to handle one million Hong Kong dollars (approximately $129,000) of illicit funds on a daily basis, resulting in a total estimated laundered amount exceeding 100 million yuan.

The successful dismantling of this cross-border money laundering group highlights the dedication and effectiveness of joint efforts by law enforcement agencies in combating organized crime. By disrupting such criminal networks, authorities aim to safeguard the integrity of financial systems and deter illicit activities.

As investigations continue, the Hong Kong police and their counterparts in Guangdong and Macau remain vigilant in their commitment to dismantling criminal syndicates involved in money laundering and ensuring the rule of law.

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