Category: News

A construction worker in Sai Kung sustained injuries Friday morning after his clothing reportedly snagged in machinery while working inside a sewage infrastructure facility. The 49-year-old man, identified by the surname Tam, lost consciousness during the incident and was extracted by emergency services before being rushed to Tseung Kwan O Hospital. He has since regained consciousness and is no longer in critical condition.

The accident occurred around 10:16 a.m. on Heung Chung Road, Sai Kung, at a site related to the Drainage Services Department’s (DSD) village sewerage project. Initial reports suggest Tam was operating a drilling machine from within the manhole structure at a height of approximately two meters when his sleeve became entangled, pulling in his upper garment. Colleagues discovered him unconscious with facial discoloration and immediately raised the alarm.

Workplace Safety Concerns Under Scrutiny

The severity of the incident highlights persistent concerns regarding safety protocols in high-risk construction environments. Fay Siu, chief executive of the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims, confirmed the worker was coring a concrete wall when the machinery allegedly caught his clothing, resulting in strangulation injuries to the neck. Following treatment, Tam was transferred to a general ward, indicating his condition has stabilized.

The location is connected to the DSD’s ongoing Provision of Village Sewerage in Sai Kung initiative. This substantial infrastructure project, which began in 2020 through an agreement with an engineering group, represents an investment of roughly HK$800 million over a 48-month contract period.

Separately, the DSD provided an update social media addressing the incident, noting it occurred at a construction site for a sewage treatment facility in Wo Mei, Sai Kung. According to the department, the worker—described as being in his 40s—was installing electrical and mechanical (E&M) equipment within the facility’s B1 basement level. The main structure of the facility was recently completed, and wastewater treatment procedures are not yet operational, as installation and testing are still underway.

Investigation Into Incident Cause

The DSD emphasized that, based on their preliminary risk assessment, the specific area where the incident occurred was not classified as a confined space. Both the DSD and the Association for the Rights of Industrial Accident Victims are calling for a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident, particularly focusing on the machinery involved and whether safety clearances were maintained.

A departmental engineering team is visiting the patient at Tseung Kwan O Hospital to provide assistance and initiate their internal inquiry. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the latent dangers inherent in construction work, especially those involving powered tools and confined or semi-confined spaces, even when protocols are in place.

Safety Recommendations for On-Site Workers:

Construction site managers and workers should strictly adhere to guidelines concerning clothing and machinery operation to prevent similar accidents. Key preventative measures include:

• Securing Loose Clothing: Ensure all garments, particularly sleeves, are secured and cannot snag on moving parts.
• Machine Guards: Always check that machinery guards are properly installed and functioning before operation.
• Emergency Stop Training: All personnel must be familiar with the location and operation of emergency stop switches on all equipment.
• Regular Risk Assessments: Consistent re-evaluation of tasks, especially those involving drilling or rotating machinery, is essential.

As the investigation continues, authorities look to ensure contractor compliance and worker protection, preventing future safety lapses in high-stakes public infrastructure projects.

Correctional staff at Stanley Prison in Hong Kong demonstrated rapid intervention skills early Friday, preventing a young remand inmate from critically harming himself. The incident underlines the persistent mental health challenges within the correctional system and the constant vigilance required from officers.

The event unfolded around 5:19 a.m. on November 22, when a patrol officer discovered a 24-year-old man attempting to intentionally ignite items within his cell. The rapid response included immediately summoning backup, extinguishing the nascent fire, and providing essential first aid. While conscious, the inmate had sustained burns to his torso and both legs and was swiftly transferred to a public hospital for comprehensive medical treatment.

Protocols Under Scrutiny Following Attempt

The swift intervention by the Correctional Services Department (CSD) staff averted a potential tragedy, highlighting the critical role of well-trained personnel. The inmate has been detained at Stanley Prison since October 2023, pending charges related to alleged trafficking of dangerous drugs. Remand inmates, often facing high stress and uncertainty regarding their legal futures, are recognized as a particularly vulnerable population within the custodial environment.

Following the incident, the CSD confirmed that a clinical psychologist would follow up on the case, providing necessary mental health support and assessment. This immediate psychological response is crucial for both the individual involved and for understanding the underlying factors contributing to the distress.

A CSD spokesperson reaffirmed the department’s commitment to comprehensive suicide and self-harm prevention strategies. These measures include a multi-faceted approach:

• Administrative Protocols: Strict procedures for identifying and monitoring at-risk individuals.
• Facility Enhancements: Physical safeguards designed to reduce opportunities for self-harm.
• Staff Training: Mandatory, specialized training for officers in identifying warning signs and crisis de-escalation techniques.
• First-Aid Provision: Ensuring personnel are equipped and ready to provide emergency medical care.

Addressing Mental Health in Custody

Incidents such as this emphasize the ongoing need to prioritize inmate mental health services. Imprisonment often exacerbates existing psychological issues or triggers new ones due to isolation, loss of autonomy, and fear of the future.

For institutions like Stanley Prison, maintaining effective suicide prevention protocols is paramount. These protocols often rely heavily on the observational skills of frontline officers, who are the first line of defense against self-harm attempts. Regular refresher courses on psychological first aid and risk assessment remain vital tools in their professional arsenal.

While the physical injuries sustained by the inmate are concerning, the psychological follow-up is critical for his long-term recovery and well-being. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of the penal system and the continuous effort required to ensure the safety and mental health of those in custody. The CSD’s prompt response saved a life, but the broader conversation around preventive mental health care in correctional facilities must continue to evolve.

In a significant display of public dissent, Japanese citizens gathered in Tokyo on Friday, November 21, 2025, calling for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to retract controversial statements regarding a potential conflict involving Taiwan. The protest, staged outside the Prime Minister’s Office, follows Takaichi’s assertion earlier in the month that a Taiwan contingency could pose an existential “survival-threatening situation” for Japan, a declaration that implicitly invoked the possibility of Japan exercising collective self-defense. This diplomatic flashpoint has escalated tensions between Tokyo and Beijing, drawing sharp reactions globally and domestically.

Organized civic groups utilized drumming and chanting to amplify demands for immediate de-escalation, urging Takaichi to cease what they view as warmongering rhetoric. According to reports from Kyodo News, organizers expressed concern that the Prime Minister’s remarks are dangerously heightening friction between the two East Asian economic powers. Demonstrators held banners bearing messages such as “Peace Above All” and “Don’t Put Japan in Danger,” reflecting deep public anxiety over the prospect of military involvement in the Taiwan Strait.

Beijing Responds with Diplomatic and Travel Measures

The diplomatic fallout from Takaichi’s statements has been swift and broad. China, which views Taiwan as an inalienable part of its territory, swiftly retaliated beyond mere political condemnation. Multiple Chinese ministries—specifically foreign affairs, education, and culture and tourism—issued new travel advisories, cautioning Chinese citizens planning trips or studies in Japan.

Furthermore, economic consequences materialized rapidly. Twelve major mainland Chinese airlines offered customers free ticket modifications or full refunds for flights to Japan. Simultaneously, several large Chinese travel agencies suspended the sale of Japanese tour packages, signaling a tangible impact on Japan’s tourism sector. These actions underscore China’s concerted strategy to apply multifaceted pressure on Tokyo following the perceived threat to its core national interests.

International Implications and Self-Defense Claims

On the global stage, Beijing formally countered Japan’s legal justification for intervention. On November 21, China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, formally communicated Beijing’s position to UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

Fu asserted that any Japanese military intervention within the Taiwan Strait would constitute an act of aggression. He emphasized that China would reserve its right to invoke Article 51 of the UN Charter, enabling the exercise of self-defense under international law to protect its national sovereignty and territorial integrity against foreign interference. This move frames any Japanese involvement not as collective self-defense but as a provocative military act, raising the stakes significantly within the international community.

For Japan, the interpretation of a “survival-threatening situation” is crucial, as it legally allows the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to engage in defense of allies, even if Japan itself is not under direct attack. However, this definition remains highly sensitive both domestically and regionally, fueling the protests seen in Tokyo and deepening the diplomatic chasm with China. The situation necessitates careful diplomatic navigation to prevent further escalation and potential miscalculation in one of the world’s most critical geopolitical flashpoints.

Related Reading: Understanding Japan’s Collective Self-Defense Legislation and Its Geopolitical Significance.

China’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Fu Cong, formally contacted UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday, November 22, 2025, to present Beijing’s official opposition to recent statements made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Taiwan. The communication, which details the Chinese perception of Tokyo’s provocative shift on cross-Strait relations, is slated for circulation as an official document to all UN member states, underscoring the growing diplomatic friction between Asia’s major powers over the status of Taiwan.

Beijing Details Alleged Shift in Japan’s Military Stance

In his missive, Ambassador Fu asserted that Prime Minister Takaichi’s comments, made during a session of Japan’s Diet, represent an alarmingly unprecedented and dangerous policy change since the end of World War II. Specifically, Takaichi suggested that a “contingency in Taiwan” would automatically constitute a “contingency for Japan,” thus potentially triggering the nation’s right to collective self-defense.

Beijing views Takaichi’s remarks as the first time a Japanese leader has explicitly signaled intent toward military intervention in the Taiwan question, essentially issuing a threat of force against the People’s Republic of China and challenging what the nation considers its core sovereignty interests. Fu called the assertions “gravely erroneous and extremely dangerous,” noting that China has lodged multiple official protests that Tokyo has refused to acknowledge or retract.

Fu stressed that these comments violate international law, undermine the post-war international order, and constitute “an open provocation” to both China’s 1.4 billion citizens and other Asian populations who endured Japanese military aggression.

China Reaffirms ‘Internal Matter’ Stance

The official Chinese position, reiterated in the letter, maintains that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China and that the issue’s resolution is strictly an internal affair, immune to external interference. Fu warned that any armed intervention by Japan in cross-Strait affairs would be deemed an act of aggression, compelling China to exercise its inherent right to self-defense under the UN Charter to protect its national territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Fu urged Japan, as a defeated power from World War II, to reflect on its historical record, honor previous political commitments regarding Taiwan, and immediately cease what Beijing perceives as dangerous provocations.

Domestic Uproar and Economic Concern Follow Remarks

The controversy triggered immediate and vocal protest within Japan. On Friday evening, hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the prime minister’s official residence in Tokyo, urging Takaichi to withdraw her statements and resign. Protesters, concerned about the potential revival of Japanese militarism, carried placards calling for peace and diplomacy.

The initial contentious comments, made during a November 7 Diet session, contended that any military action by Mainland China against Taiwan could be classified as a “survival-threatening situation” for Japan. Despite the domestic backlash, Takaichi maintained that her statements align with long-standing government policy and refused to retract them.

Mizuho Fukushima, the leader of the Social Democratic Party, joined the rally, arguing that the prime minister’s hardline stance pushes Japan toward conflict, making it “unacceptable.”

Legal and political analysts have pointed out that Takaichi’s declaration appears to contradict established commitments made in the 1972 Japan–China Joint Communiqué and risks unnecessarily escalating tensions in the East Asian region. Furthermore, some protestors voiced concerns about the immediate economic consequences, citing a drop in Chinese tourist numbers and potential diplomatic fallout affecting trade.

The formal submission of China’s protest to the UN General Assembly elevates the bilateral dispute to a critical global platform, raising international awareness regarding the volatile nature of the Taiwan Strait issue and the escalating rhetoric between Tokyo and Beijing.

Some 4,000 swimmers braved Hong Kong’s iconic Victoria Harbour on Saturday morning, November 22, 2025, for the annual Victoria Harbour Race. Organized by the Hong Kong China Swimming Association, the approximately one-kilometer open-water event began at the Golden Bauhinia Square Public Pier in Wan Chai and culminated across the strait at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui. The event drew significant attention this year with the debut of celebrated Hong Kong swimmer Siobhan Bernadette Haughey, who placed an impressive second in the women’s division.

Haughey Navigates Open Water’s Unpredictability

Fresh off a successful performance at the National Games, where she secured two gold and two bronze medals, Haughey utilized her time in Hong Kong to participate in the challenging local race alongside her coach and teammates. While known for her prowess in the controlled environments of competitive pools, the open-water swim presented a markedly different set of obstacles, as the athlete described.

“In open water, you lose the predictability of the pool,” Haughey explained after the race. “Visibility is limited, there is no bottom to sight on, and maintaining a straight course is extremely demanding.”

Unlike pool races where temperature, currents, and turns are regulated, open-water swimming introduces numerous variables. Haughey noted that she relied heavily on instinct and feel to gauge her direction due to the constant fluctuations. While Hong Kong’s signature skyscrapers offered occasional visual cues, she found the distance deceptive, sometimes feeling halfway through the course only to realize the finish line was still remote. Despite the initial slight chill, Haughey found the water temperature during the swim comfortable, warming up considerably by the time she exited the water.

Open Water Requires Different Approach to Strategy

Haughey entered the race without specific training or a meticulous race strategy, viewing it primarily as a personal challenge and an enjoyable experience. Her goal was a top-five finish, a feat she handily surpassed by securing the runner-up spot. The experience underscored the crucial difference between competitive pool swimming and its open-water counterpart.

The Athlete’s Perspective on Open Water Challenge:

• Limited Visibility: The inability to clearly see the bottom or surroundings.
• Directional Challenge: Difficulty maintaining a straight line without lane markers.
• Variable Conditions: Unpredictable water temperature, currents, and choppy water.
• Reliance on Feel: Higher dependence on immediate physical sensation rather than visual cues for pacing and direction.

Haughey indicated that if her subsequent competition commitments allow, she would consider returning to the prestigious harbour race. She also expressed a desire to inspire more female friends to participate in the event in the future.

The Victoria Harbour Race remains one of Hong Kong’s most unique and demanding annual sporting fixtures, symbolizing the city’s vibrant spirit and strong connection to its waterfront. Haughey’s participation brings crucial visibility to open-water swimming. Following her successful harbour debut, the Olympic medalist is scheduled to compete in Tokyo next week and in Switzerland in December before taking a well-deserved break over the Christmas holiday period.

A 38-year-old man who disappeared from his home in Ap Lei Chau last week has been successfully located and is reported safe and well. The disappearance triggered a five-day search before the individual was found by authorities in the early hours of Saturday, November 22, 2025.

Chan Ho-yin was last observed departing his residence at Ap Lei Chau Estate around noon on Saturday, November 15. Concerns escalated when the man did not return or make contact, prompting his family to file an official missing person report with the Hong Kong Police Force on Monday, November 17. The intense search concluded early Saturday morning when Mr. Chan was discovered on Heung Yip Road, an area frequently traveled in Aberdeen.

Police confirmed that the individual was uninjured upon being found and that investigators swiftly ruled out any foul play. The successful resolution brings significant relief to his family and the local community that had been tracking the case. Police emphasized that these outcomes highlight the effectiveness of public alerts and quick reporting in locating vulnerable individuals.

The Dynamics of Missing Person Cases

While the details surrounding an adult’s reasons for leaving home are often private, incidents like these underscore the critical role authorities and the public play in modern search operations. Missing person cases, even those not involving criminal elements, are treated with high urgency due to the potential for medical or emotional distress.

Key Steps in Reporting a Missing Person:

• Time is Crucial: Report the disappearance to the police immediately, especially if the person has known medical conditions or is uncharacteristic to be out of contact.
• Provide Detail: Supply recent photographs, detailed descriptions of clothing last worn, and specific locations where they might be traveling or frequenting.
• Coordinate with Authorities: Maintain open communication with the investigating officers.

In many urban areas, including Hong Kong, searches often employ a combination of foot patrols, electronic monitoring (where applicable), and leveraging community CCTV networks—all resources activated after Mr. Chan was reported missing.

The successful conclusion to this particular case provides a positive outcome and reinforces the protocols in place aimed at protecting residents. For those experiencing mental distress or needing immediate support, resources like the Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong or similar crisis hotlines remain vital tools available to the public 24/7.

A routine Saturday morning commute descended into chaos on Lion Rock Tunnel Road after a severe collision involving a motorcycle and a heavy goods vehicle resulted in the hospitalization of the rider. The accident occurred shortly before 8:45 a.m. today, November 22, near the entrance to the Lion Rock Tunnel, significantly disrupting traffic flow on the Kowloon-bound carriageway.

The incident unfolded as the motorcycle was heading toward Kowloon when it reportedly collided with a truck near the tunnel’s approach. The impact was significant enough to throw the motorcyclist from their bike. Emergency services swiftly responded, finding the injured rider conscious but suffering from visible facial and leg injuries. Paramedics transported the individual via ambulance to a nearby hospital where they are currently receiving treatment. Authorities have yet to release details on the extent of their injuries.

Scene Analysis and Traffic Implications

Immediately following the crash, debris from the motorcycle, including a storage top box, was scattered across the roadway, indicating the severity of the impact. Online images from the scene show extensive skid marks left by the truck in the moments leading up to the collision. The truck driver remained at the location and cooperated fully with police inquiries standard procedure following major traffic incidents.

Police investigators are currently analyzing the circumstances surrounding the crash, including speed, road conditions, and distance between the vehicles, to determine the precise cause. Accidents near tunnel entrances often present unique hazards due to merging lanes, sudden changes in visibility, and drivers adjusting to speed limits, making these stretches particularly difficult for riders of two-wheeled vehicles.

Key Safety Takeaways for Tunnel Approaches:

• Maintain Safe Following Distance: The transition zones near tunnels require extra space to react to sudden stops or merging traffic.
• Be Aware of Blind Spots: Trucks and larger vehicles have significant blind spots, especially when nearing infrastructure requiring lane changes. Motorcyclists should assume they are unseen unless making direct eye contact with the driver.
• Observe Lane Discipline: Reduce speed and follow specific lane directions signaled by road markings and signage well in advance of the tunnel mouth.

Impact on Local Commuters

While the immediate area of the collision has been cleared following the initial investigation and wreckage removal, similar incidents serve as a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in Hong Kong’s major traffic arteries. The crash caused considerable tailbacks for those utilizing one of the city’s major cross-harbor alternative routes during the morning rush.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are urging witnesses to come forward with any information. This incident underscores the critical need for heightened vigilance and courtesy between all road users, particularly when operating near high-traffic infrastructure like the Lion Rock Tunnel, ensuring safer travel for everyone sharing the commute. Always prioritize defensive driving habits to minimize preventable incidents on the road.

The tranquility of a residential building in Fo Tan was shattered by a significant theft this week, as burglars made off with over HK$135,000 worth of cash and jewelry from a flat in Chun Yeung Estate. The brazen overnight break-in, which occurred at Chun Yat House, highlights ongoing concerns about property security in urban residential areas.

The incident came to light on Thursday evening when the 34-year-old female resident, identified by the surname Lee, returned home around 10 p.m. She discovered immediate signs of forced entry, finding her main door damaged and the interior of the apartment thoroughly ransacked. Police were promptly notified and arrived to begin their investigation into the professional intrusion.

Details of the Incident and Stolen Valuables

Preliminary assessments conducted by law enforcement confirmed that the perpetrators successfully breached the home and targeted high-value assets. According to police reports, the haul included substantial cash and a valuable collection of personal adornments.

The breakdown of the stolen goods is as follows:

• Cash: Approximately HK$75,000 in currency.
• Jewelry: Necklaces, watches, and rings collectively estimated to be worth HK$60,000.

The total estimated value of the stolen property exceeded HK$130,000, underscoring the severity of the theft. Authorities have officially classified the case as burglary and are actively pursuing leads. As of press time, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.

Enhancing Home Security Against Opportunistic Theft

This incident serves as a stark reminder for residents across Hong Kong to review and upgrade their home security measures, particularly for ground-level or easily accessible apartments. While police investigations are underway, proactive steps can significantly deter opportunistic thieves.

Security experts frequently recommend a tiered approach to residential protection, focusing on fortifying access points and minimizing the visibility of valuables.

Actionable Security Tips:

• Reinforce Doors and Locks: Ensure main doors utilize high-security, multi-point locking systems and reinforced frames to resist forced entry. Consider installing a secondary grille or security gate.
• Install Surveillance: Deploy motion-activated security cameras, both externally and internally, which can serve as critical deterrents and provide vital evidence if a theft occurs.
• Secure Valuables: Avoid leaving large sums of cash or significant jewelry collections accessible. Utilize bank safety deposit boxes for items rarely worn or consider a high-quality, professional-grade home safe that is bolted to the structure.
• Maintain Illumination: Keep entry points and surrounding areas well lit, as burglars prefer to operate under cover of darkness. Timers or smart lighting systems are effective when residents are away.

Law enforcement continues to investigate the Fo Tan burglary, following forensic evidence and neighborhood tips. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or persons observed loitering near residential buildings, especially during late-night or early morning hours, which are prime times for opportunistic crime. Securing private property remains a shared responsibility, requiring community awareness alongside robust home security protocols.

The world is on the cusp of a radical economic transformation, according to technology titan Elon Musk, who recently suggested that rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and humanoid robotics will render human labor largely optional and potentially make money irrelevant within the next two decades. Speaking at the U.S.–Saudi Investment Forum, the head of Tesla and SpaceX detailed a future marked by post-scarcity abundance, arguing that technological leaps could effectively solve global poverty.

Musk, who was joined by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at the forum, championed technologies like Tesla’s Optimus robot as key agents in this forthcoming societal shift. He contends that as AI tools become more sophisticated and humanoid robots capable of performing complex physical tasks scale up, the traditional need for human economic output will diminish significantly.

Shifting the Paradigm of Work

In this projected future, Musk envisions that the concept of “work” will evolve from an economic necessity into something akin to a leisure pursuit. He likened future employment to choosing to play an enjoyable sport or a video game, or even opting to grow one’s own food out of personal preference despite the readily available commercial alternatives.

While acknowledging that reaching such a scenario requires “substantial progress,” the long-term trajectory for advanced robotics and AI remains clear, according to the billionaire entrepreneur. This future state promises an abundance that fundamentally redefines productivity and quality of life for all of humanity.

The End of Financial Constraints

Further extending his argument on economic impact, Musk asserted that continued automation would eventually make currency—specifically, money itself—insignificant. In a world of extreme abundance powered by AI, he suggests that financial limitations would cease to be the primary constraints on society.

Instead, the limiting factors would become purely physical: access to power, electricity, and raw physical mass. If AI-driven productivity allows for near-infinite goods and services, the need for a medium of exchange to manage scarcity diminishes.

Musk referenced the fictional universe of Iain M. Banks’s Culture novels as potential inspiration—a literary example of a society thriving under a benevolent AI where material abundance dramatically minimizes the importance of money.

The Role of Humanoid Robots in Societal Change

The vision hinges heavily on mass deployment of humanoid robots like Optimus, which Musk has framed as the platform capable of fundamentally transforming global productivity. He repeatedly champions the synergy between highly capable AI and physically dexterous robots as the engine that will drive society toward a post-scarcity economy.

This projection, while optimistic, raises immediate concerns about infrastructure, social safety nets, and the necessary transition period for workers whose roles may become obsolete. Experts caution that while AI promises immense output gains, governments and industries must prepare strategies for equitable distribution of wealth and resources, alongside retraining initiatives for a population no longer bound by traditional employment.

Ultimately, Musk’s forecast suggests that while the path forward is complex, the potential rewards—solving global scarcity and redefining human purpose—are transformative. As AI development accelerates, monitoring the rollout and capability scaling of humanoid robots will be critical to understanding when and how quickly this profound economic shift might occur.

Three mainland Chinese university students studying in Macau have been targeted by highly deceptive phone scams collectively resulting in losses exceeding HK$2.63 million (approximately US$336,000). The victims—two males and one female—were exploited by fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials, highlighting a persistent and costly cyber threat facing students across the region. Law enforcement agencies are currently investigating the cases and concurrently intensifying public awareness campaigns regarding these elaborate schemes.

The incidents, which occurred between September and November 2025, bear the hallmarks of typical “Mainland official impersonation” scams. In these schemes, criminals leverage fear and authority to coerce victims into compliance and financial transfer.

Impersonating Public Security: The Tactics Used

The two male students received calls from individuals asserting they represented the “Kunming Public Security.” The scammers falsely claimed that the students’ financial accounts or mobile numbers were implicated in serious mainland crimes, such as money laundering or disseminating fraudulent communications.

To bolster their credibility, the fraudsters directed the students to participate in video calls, during which they were shown counterfeit legal documents, including purported detention orders. This theatrical display convinced the vulnerable students that they were facing imminent legal peril.

As a condition for avoiding immediate arrest and detention while an “investigation” proceeded, the students were instructed to remit a substantial “guarantee deposit.”

One victim was coached to solicit 1.1 million yuan (approximately HK$1.2 million) from his family, under the spurious guise of needing funds for overseas study. He transferred the money in six separate installments to designated Hong Kong bank accounts between October 17 and 20. Suspicion finally arose only when the fraudsters escalated their demands, insisting on an additional 1 million yuan from his relatives.

The second male student complied with the demands, transferring HK$876,000 to a Hong Kong account on November 6. He realized the vast deception only after traveling to the Kunming Public Security Bureau in early November to physically verify the claims, where officials confirmed the calls were fraudulent. Both men officially reported the fraud to Macau law enforcement on November 20.

Cash Withdrawals and Bank Intervention

The female student was targeted in a parallel scheme that required cash deposits rather than direct transfers. She was defrauded of HK$550,000 after being ensnared by the scam since mid-October. Believing she needed to pay a deposit for pre-release investigation, she withdrew the cash in multiple transactions over several weeks.

Fortunately, quick-thinking bank staff intervened on November 19 after noticing the highly unusual transaction activity. They flagged the situation to authorities, who contacted the victim. Investigators determined she had handed over the “deposit” to an unknown man in Central several days earlier.

Protecting Yourself from Financial Fraud

The recent spate of successful scams underscores the importance of vigilance, particularly for international students who may be unfamiliar with local law enforcement procedures or vulnerable to authority figures claiming to represent their home country.

Authorities consistently warn that legitimate mainland police, prosecutors, or courts will never contact individuals via phone or social media to demand money transfers under the threat of legal action.

To protect yourself or your family from these professional schemes:

• Verify Identity: Hang up immediately if a caller identifies themselves as an official demanding payment or personal information. Call the official hotline of the purported agency directly (e.g., the official Macau Police number) to verify the claims. Do not use the number provided by the caller.
• Refuse Transfers: Real law enforcement agencies do not use private bank accounts, especially those across borders, to collect “bail,” “deposits,” or “fines.” Never transfer money based on phoned instructions.
• Seek Advice: If you are contacted by suspicious individuals, immediately consult with trusted family members, friends, or university student services before following any instructions.
• Be Skeptical of Visual Proof: Fraudsters use sophisticated digital tools to create fake arrest warrants or legal documents. Assume any documents shown via video call are fake.

As investigations continue, the public is urged to remain skeptical of unsolicited calls and report any suspicious activity immediately to local police. Education remains the primary defense against these transnational financial crimes.