Three arrested over Lan Kwai Fong bar vandalism linked to money dispute

Hong Kong police arrested three men on New Year's Eve following a masked gang's destructive raid on a Lan Kwai Fong bar, stemming from an unresolved financial dispute involving one owner.

The vandalism occurred around 9pm two days ago at a ground-floor bar at 8-11 Lan Kwai Fong.

Masked intruders armed with baseball bats and metal rods stormed in while the 45-year-old license holder and a female bartender were working, causing HK$384,000 in damage—including HK$350,000 in LED screens, a HK$30,000 dart machine, drinks, and Christmas trees.

Some fled on foot toward Wellington Street; others escaped in a black Toyota, leaving a broken bat.

Investigation tied the attack to a money row between a 34-year-old co-owner and a 44-year-old suspected mastermind, who had intimidated the bar on November 19 before escalating.

Yesterday, the arrests included a 26-year-old and a 32-year-old for unlawful assembly and criminal damage—linked to intimidation and vandalism—and a 70-year-old Toyota driver for conspiracy to commit criminal damage.

Central District's anti-triad unit leads the case, pursuing nine more suspects, including the mastermind.