Following the devastating Wang Fuk Court fire in Tai Po, Hong Kong, which resulted in at least 159 fatalities, a community outpouring of support has been marred by allegations of fraud. On Thursday, December 4, authorities announced the arrest of an individual accused of exploiting public donations meant for survivors. The arrest highlights growing concerns over fraudulent schemes piggybacking on humanitarian crises.
A 32-year-old chef, Cham Shu-shing, appeared at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts facing one count of money laundering. Prosecutors allege that between October 25 and November 30, 2025, Mr. Cham utilized a third-party bank account to receive approximately HK$64,886.45. It is alleged that Mr. Cham knew—or had reasonable grounds to believe—that these funds, deposited into an account with Alipay Financial Services (HK) Limited, were derived directly or indirectly from the proceeds of an indictable offense, likely related to the donation drive.
Court Adjourns Amid Ongoing Investigations
The prosecution requested an adjournment to allow for further investigation and the preparation of legal advice regarding the complex financial trail. Chief Magistrate Ken Wong granted the adjournment, setting the next court appearance for January 15, 2026.
Mr. Cham was released on a HK$30,000 cash bail, subject to strict conditions. These mandates included the surrender of all travel documents and a prohibition against leaving Hong Kong. The case, formally recorded as WKCC5546/2025, is one of several instances of alleged donation fraud currently under scrutiny by Hong Kong authorities following the inferno.
Increased Scrutiny on Disaster Fraud
The disaster generated a significant and rapid mobilization of public charity, intended to aid displaced families and support the recovery efforts in Tai Po. However, the subsequent arrests for exploiting the tragedy have intensified public scrutiny of digital fundraising security. Authorities are working diligently to combat unscrupulous individuals who target compassionate citizens during times of crisis.
Experts note that large-scale disasters often create fertile ground for scams. Rapid, high-volume donation flows, particularly through less-regulated digital platforms, can be difficult to track, offering criminals opportunities to divert funds.
Protecting Yourself Against Donation Scams
To ensure contributions reach legitimate relief organizations, donors should exercise vigilance. Experts recommend these steps:
- Verify Charity Registration: Only donate to well-established, registered charities clearly linked to the official relief effort.
- Avoid Unsolicited Links: Be wary of donation solicitations received via unsolicited emails, text messages, or direct social media messages.
- Track Transactions: Confirm that payments are made directly through the official website or a trusted, secure payment portal.
- Demand Transparency: Legitimate organizations should provide clear information on how funds will be dispersed and used.
The outcome of this case and others related to the Wang Fuk Court disaster will likely influence future protocols aimed at safeguarding public donations during humanitarian emergencies, ensuring that generosity is directed toward genuine aid recipients rather than enriching criminals.