Four tourists 'robbed' in Kwun Tong party room

Wallis Wang

Four mainland and Taiwanese tourists allegedly lost HK$200,000 after being robbed by at least 10 men at a party room in Kwun Tong early yesterday.

Police said they received a report about the incident in Kwun Tong Industrial Centre I at 5.46am. The suspects were still at large as of last night.

Sources said the victims - all males, including a 32-year-old from Taiwan and three aged 28 to 33 from the mainland - came to Hong Kong together for sightseeing.

It is understood that one of them got to know a 31-year-old Hong Kong man through another friend, who took them to the party room.

As the four played mahjong, at least 10 men broke in and threatened them with knives, sources added. They also hit the victims with plastic rods and tied them up.

One of them suffered head injuries and a 20-centimeter slash on his hand, and was forced to transfer HK$110,000 to the criminals through an online finance application.

Others were also robbed of belongings said to be worth HK$90,000, including cash and smart phones. Two sustained scrapes on their hands and legs during.

All three injured tourists were taken to United Christian Hospital in Kwun Tong, while the fourth went to Kwong Wah Hospital by himself and reported the crime. Police are trying to locate "a 31-year-old Hong Kong man" who took them to the party room.

A large number of officers went to the scene yesterday to gather evidence, including security camera footage.

Some officers could be seen holding shields and wore bulletproof vests and helmets.

In January last year, two men were also allegedly robbed of more than HK$1 million by five knife-wielding men at a Central party room on Wellington Street. Officers later found that one of the victims was a partner of the suspects and arrested him and the robbers for conspiracy.

City University professor of criminology and social work Dennis Wong Sing-wing told The Standard that loose security at industrial buildings and party rooms may lead to crimes, as fewer surveillance cameras are installed there and people are not required to register when entering the building.

He also said people should be cautious if they are taken to the party rooms by others.

Wong appealed to tourists to stay at licensed hotels and guesthouses when traveling. They should also notify their family members and friends when going to strange places in case they fall victim to a crime.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com