Man, 64, arrested for doxxing woman over monetary disputes

A 64-year-old man was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of having disclosed the personal data of a woman without her consent over monetary disputes. 

Investigation by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data revealed that the victim met the man in late 2021 and had since been making advance payments for each other to purchase different kinds of goods. 

Their friendship subsequently turned sour, after which, both parties had disputed over the amounts of the advance payments and a number of messages were later sent to the victim requesting her to repay outstanding debts to the man. 

In January 2023, a dunning letter containing the personal data of the victim was mailed to her supervisor and the letter also contained insulting and defamatory content urging the victim to repay outstanding debts. 

The personal data disclosed included the victim’s Chinese name, alias, occupation, HKID card number, date of birth as well as a photo of the victim and her daughter. 

The man is currently in custody and the PCPD said they will continue the investigation into the case. 

The PCPD reminds the public that doxxing is a serious offense and the maximum penalty carries a fine of up to HK$1 million and five years’ imprisonment upon conviction.