Four robbers loot 1 billion yen from Sheung Wan money changer; mainland man arrested

A major robbery occurred in Sheung Wan on Thursday morning (Dec 18) when four suspects allegedly robbed money changer staff of about 1 billion yen in cash.

At around 9.06am, two employees of a money exchange shop were unloading four suitcases containing the cash outside Grand Millennium Plaza on Queen’s Road Central when they were approached by three men. Two of the suspects were armed with machetes and demanded the money. The robbers seized all four suitcases before fleeing in a getaway car driven by an accomplice.

Police launched a manhunt and later arrested a 43-year-old mainland man outside Exit D of Sheung Wan MTR station, where he was found carrying a suitcase containing a large amount of Japanese yen. He was taken into custody for investigation.

A suspected getaway vehicle with minor damage was later found abandoned on Sulphur Channel Street. Police believe the suspects ditched the car and fled on foot.

According to police, the arrested man was travelling on a two-way permit, and officers are investigating his purpose of entry into Hong Kong while continuing the search for the remaining suspects.

Sources said the victim was a 39-year-old employee of a money changer on Wing Lok Street. The stolen cash reportedly belonged to a businessman engaged in foreign trade who regularly exchanged Japanese yen into other currencies. The businessman, who has operated for many years, had not previously encountered any robbery incidents.

(updated 7.46pm)