Hong Kong police arrest 7 over HK$7 million gold bar robbery at knifepoint
Hong Kong police have arrested seven people in connection with a robbery involving six gold bars worth HK$7 million (US$893,102), with some suspects believed to have fled to mainland China.
The force said on Saturday that four men and three women were arrested on Thursday after a 36-year-old man reported that he had been robbed at about 12.30am that day at a car park at the airport.
According to the victim’s account, he had been hired by a Chinese businessman to transport six 1kg (2.2lbs) gold bars from Indonesia to Hong Kong. He was ambushed by three knife-wielding suspects wearing face coverings as he made his way to his car.
The suspects grabbed the man’s backpack containing the gold bars, injuring his thigh and arm in the process, before fleeing in a seven-seater car. The victim was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital in Kwai Chung.
Police traced the thieves using the city’s surveillance camera network and arrested seven suspects aged between 20 and 39. Some have triad backgrounds.
The force said it was still searching for the gold bars and stressed that the attack was not random.
“We believe that the criminals got hold of the victim’s information, including his flight, route and parking location. This case clearly involves an insider leaking information,” said Senior Superintendent Iu Wing-kan of the New Territories South regional crime headquarters.
“It is believed to have been committed by an acquaintance.”
He said those arrested included the alleged mastermind, robbers, the getaway driver, the vehicle owner and individuals who helped the fugitives, including by making hotel reservations to help them evade detection.
They were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to rob, using a false instrument, assisting offenders and traffic offences.
Police also recovered knives and the vehicle used in the robbery.
Iu said some suspects had fled to the mainland and that the force would seek help from authorities across the border to bring them to justice.
He added that the investigation would focus on people familiar with the victim’s route and examine other possible offences linked to the case.
Under the law, travellers arriving in Hong Kong must declare to customs if they are carrying currency and bearer negotiable instruments worth more than HK$120,000.
Diamonds, gold and casino tokens are not classified as currency or bearer negotiable instruments.
