Hong Kong police have arrested eight individuals linked to a bounced cheque scam that defrauded businesses of HK$2.4 million (approximately US$308,300). The scam involved a syndicate that approached various companies to make purchases using dishonoured cheques and forged money transfer screenshots. The operation was reportedly masterminded by an individual who recruited members from illegal gambling dens in Yuen Long. Following the initial arrests on November 14 and 15, 2024, police also apprehended an additional 20 people connected to the scheme. Chief Inspector Tam Tsz-wai provided details on the operation, advising merchants to thoroughly verify payments before proceeding with transactions [547872e2].
The investigation highlights the growing concern over financial scams in Hong Kong, particularly those targeting businesses. Police have urged merchants to remain vigilant against such fraudulent activities, emphasizing the importance of confirming the legitimacy of payment methods. The crackdown on this scam is part of a broader effort by law enforcement to combat financial crimes in the region [547872e2].