Money laundering group lures foreign helpers to use their accounts to launder $35 million in crime proceeds, police arrest 18 people

A money laundering syndicate controlled by non-Chinese people was suspected of luring foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong to open bank accounts, and then used at least 33 puppet accounts to launder the criminal proceeds of multiple deceptions involving 35 million Hong Kong dollars. The police arrested them after investigation 18 people successfully smashed the syndicate and are tracking down the whereabouts of the money.

Inspector Huang Jinrong of the Police Property Intelligence and Investigation Division explained the case.

(Photo by Chen Haoran)

Huang Jinrong, Inspector of the Police’s Financial Intelligence and Investigation Division, explained the case. The department took the initiative to launch an intelligence-led operation in May last year. After in-depth investigation and intelligence analysis, it successfully locked down a money laundering group controlled by non-Chinese people, suspected of manipulating foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong. Bank account, cleansing the criminal proceeds of different fraud cases, the group lures the foreign helper to open a bank account with a reward of 1,000 to 2,500 yuan through social platforms and social circles of the foreign helper, and then hand over the bank card and password, and the group also asks for fraud The victim deposited the money into the puppet account. From May 2021 to October 2022, the group used at least 33 puppet accounts to launder 35 million Hong Kong dollars in criminal proceeds, of which 11 million yuan was confirmed and 25 online love scams, The 2 email scams are related to the 2 investment scams. The related scams occurred from March 2021 to August last year. After the puppet account received the money, the group made multiple transfers to avoid police investigation. Withdraw money.

Police officers launched an operation code-named "Yiwang" yesterday (9th) and went to various premises in Hong Kong, Kowloon and the New Territories for suspected "handling of property known or believed to represent proceeds from indictable crimes" (commonly known as "money laundering") and conspiracy to "money laundering" and arrested 18 people. The syndicate was successfully disintegrated and a batch of bank cards and mobile phones were seized. The arrested persons were a Nigerian man, a Bangladeshi man and 16 An Indonesian woman, aged between 29 and 49 years old, 2 males and 3 females are key members of the syndicate and are still being detained for investigation. The remaining 13 are holders of puppet bank accounts and have been released on bail pending investigation. In April this year Reported to the police in the middle of the month, the operation is still continuing, and more arrests cannot be ruled out.

Wong Kam Wing said that the police are launching an "Anti-Money Laundering Month" publicity and education campaign to enhance public and industry awareness of money laundering, and appeal to employers to pay attention to whether foreign domestic helpers will receive more letters from banks, reminding them not to rent out their bank accounts or Selling to other people to deal with funds of unknown origin. Reiterating that money laundering is a serious crime. Once convicted, the maximum penalty is 14 years in prison and a fine of 5 million yuan. Citizens should not try their best.

The sisters of "Love Home" goddesses put forth effort to promote the anti-fraud message and remind "the bank account is for someone!"