Eight arrested over $40mn robbery attempt in Hung Hom

Police arrested seven men and one woman, aged 16 to 44, on suspicion of attempted robbery, dangerous driving, using a false instrument, and four more criminal offenses on Sunday.

The police on Sunday morning discovered a man and three non-ethnic Chinese men allegedly holding a knife and plastic ties outside an industrial building in Hung Hom, attempting to rob three mainland men of their backpacks, which contained about 38 kilograms of gold dust valued at around HK$40 million.

Officers immediately subdued the suspects and arrested the four men, aged 16 to 35, on suspicion of attempted robbery.

Police later found and arrested another 19-year-old man inside the industrial building, also on suspicion of attempted robbery.

The police also arrested a 44-year-old man who was allegedly driving a private car with fake license plates to pick up the suspects.

Officers stopped him after he crashed into three police vehicles during his escape. No one was injured.

The 44-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery, dangerous driving, using a false instrument, and four more criminal offenses.

Following further investigation, police arrested two additional suspects—a man and a woman aged 30 to 34—in Sau Mau Ping the same day. 

The man is suspected of attempted robbery, while the woman is suspected of assisting in harboring a fugitive.

All arrestees will be provisionally charged with one count of robbery in total. The case will be mentioned at Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts on Tuesday.

Police reminded the public that when transporting valuables, they should use reputable, qualified cash-in-transit companies.

The police also urged that those who routinely carry large amounts of cash or valuables or visit financial institutions should not disclose related information to others and should vary their routes and travel times to avoid giving criminals an opportunity.