Central, Hong Kong — In a dramatic turn of events on Monday afternoon, five individuals were apprehended at a bank in Central for attempting to secure a staggering US$10 billion (approximately HK$78 billion) using forged documents.
The incident unfolded around 5 p.m. at the China Building on Queen’s Road Central, where the group—comprising three men and two women—approached bank staff with a request to open an account. They presented three Letters of Credit, claiming the funds were needed as start-up capital for a business venture.
However, the bank staff quickly recognized inconsistencies in the documents. Their suspicions led to an immediate notification of the police, who swiftly arrived at the scene to investigate.
Authorities arrested the five suspects on charges of using false instruments. Among them were a 68-year-old Filipino man and a 38-year-old Filipino woman, who identified themselves as a businessman and a lawyer, respectively. Both individuals had entered Hong Kong using valid passports.
The remaining suspects included a 54-year-old Malaysian man named Cheng, a 64-year-old Taiwanese man named Tsai, and a 29-year-old woman named Tao. Cheng and Tsai claimed to be directors, while Tao presented herself as a secretary. Notably, Cheng and Tsai had entered Hong Kong on a travel permit for Hong Kong and Macao.
The Central Police District is actively continuing its investigation into this high-profile case, raising questions about the potential implications of such an audacious attempt at fraud within the financial heart of Hong Kong. Authorities are urging anyone with further information to come forward as they work to unravel the details of this incident.
As the investigation unfolds, the banking community remains on high alert, highlighting the critical importance of vigilance in safeguarding against fraudulent activities.
