One arrested in US$15m fraud attempt at Bank of China

Three men attempted to withdraw US$15 million (approximately HK$117 million) at a bank in Central using forged documents, resulting in one arrest.

The incident occurred around 11.20am on Tuesday at the Bank of China Tower, where the trio attempted to cash US$15 million with a cashier’s check.

Upon examination, staff discovered the cashier’s check was fraudulent and alerted the police.

Police officers arrived at the scene and arrested an 82-year-old Chinese man, surnamed Cheung, on charges of using false instruments.

The suspect is currently in custody, while the other two men were taken to the police station for further investigation. 

There was also an attempt to use false documents for cash withdrawals last month, which resulted in five arrests -- a 68-year-old Filipino man, a 38-year-old Filipino woman, a 54-year-old Malaysian man Cheng, a 64-year-old Taiwanese man surnamed Tsai and a 29-year-old Chinese woman surnamed Tao. 

Under the Crime Ordinance, anyone who makes, uses or possesses a false instrument could face up to 14 years of imprisonment.