Two Japanese men robbed of 58m yen in Sheung Wan; suspect caught at airport

Two Japanese men were robbed of a backpack containing 58 million yen (HK$2.94 million) outside a currency exchange in Sheung Wan on Friday morning (Jan 30). The incident occurred around 9am outside a shop at Hing Yip Commercial Centre, 272–284 Des Voeux Road Central.

According to police, the two victims, aged 27 and 51, were employees of a Japanese currency exchange. They had flown to Hong Kong earlier that morning to convert 190 million yen (HK$5.88 million) and had brought two backpacks and a suitcase with them.

After arriving by taxi, one of the backpacks was suddenly snatched by a robber. He then fled in a waiting white private car via the Western Harbour Crossing toward Kowloon.

Police classified the case as robbery and launched an investigation. Reports indicate the suspect was later arrested at the airport.

(Updated 4.35pm)