Hong Kong police have arrested two additional mainland Chinese men in connection with an illegal ride-hailing operation involving the Amap platform, bringing the total number of detainees to three. The arrests followed an ongoing investigation into unlicensed drivers operating through the popular ride-hailing application.
According to police statements, New Territories South Regional Crime Unit officers apprehended a 46-year-old mainland man and a 32-year-old mainland man on August 18 and 23 in Lok Ma Chau and Tin Shui Wai. The younger suspect faces multiple charges including "conspiracy to defraud," "unlawfully using their vehicles for hire," "driving without third-party insurance," and "breach of condition of stay ." The 46-year-old has been released on bail pending further investigation and must report back to police in mid-September.
The case originated on August 11 when a passenger reported suspicions after booking a ride through Amap’s ride-hailing in Tsuen Wan. The driver demonstrated unfamiliarity with local routes, communicated only in Mandarin, and admitted not holding Hong Kong identity documents. This prompted the passenger to file an online police report following the completed journey.
Investigation by New Territories South Regional Traffic Department and Regional Crime Unit revealed an organized fraud scheme manipulating the ride-hailing platform's registration system. The group allegedly used personal information from various individuals to create driver accounts, then arranged unqualified drivers to accept fares while collecting commissions illegally.
Previously, police had arrested a 53-year-old local man suspected of providing his personal details to the fraud group for account registration and using other fraudulent accounts for compensated transportation services.
