Category: News

Authorities in Hong Kong have launched an urgent investigation after six dogs were found dead in what is being treated as a potential case of deliberate poisoning and animal cruelty in the Kwu Tung area. The grim discovery, made on Wednesday evening, has heightened concerns over a recurring pattern of attacks targeting dogs in the district.

The incident was reported to police around 6 p.m. by the owner of the animals, a 67-year-old man identified by the surname Chan. Mr. Chan discovered the lifeless bodies of the six mongrels at a location along Kwu Tung South Road in Lok Ma Chau. He maintains a total of 17 dogs at the site and confirmed that all were reportedly alive and healthy during his morning check earlier that day.

Unexplained Deaths Spark Cruelty Concerns

The initial scene investigation involved personnel from both the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Investigators noted the absence of external injuries or visible evidence of vomiting on the carcasses, factors that often accompany poisoning. However, SPCA officers deemed the circumstances highly suspicious, prompting a thorough forensic examination.

The AFCD has since removed the deceased animals to a laboratory for detailed analysis. The primary goal of these tests is to definitively determine the precise cause of death, confirming whether neurotoxins or other poisons were involved.

Police officers from the Border District Police Criminal Investigation Team have classified the case as animal cruelty and are actively pursuing leads. Initial searches of the vicinity were hampered by the lack of CCTV surveillance in the area, yielding no immediate suspects or supporting evidence.

Pattern of Attacks: A History of Tragedy

This latest discovery is not an isolated event but instead follows a disconcerting trend of suspected dog poisonings in Kwu Tung, suggesting a targeted campaign against animals in the area. Evidence points to similar incidents affecting the same owner:

• April 2025: Four other dogs belonging to Mr. Chan died under suspicious circumstances.
• July 2024: A staggering 22 dogs were reportedly poisoned in the same vicinity.

The recurrent nature of these deaths underscores the need for increased vigilance and community reporting. Animal cruelty, particularly mass poisoning, carries severe legal penalties under Hong Kong law.

What to Do If You Suspect Animal Cruelty

Experts emphasize that community awareness and prompt reporting are crucial in solving these types of cases. If you encounter a situation involving suspected animal abuse or poisoning, it is imperative to act responsibly:

1. Do not attempt to treat the animal yourself if poisoning is suspected. Immediate veterinary care is essential.
2. Contact the SPCA Emergency Hotline immediately for guidance and professional assistance.
3. Report the incident to the Police. Provide exact locations, times, and any relevant descriptions of suspicious activity or individuals.
4. If possible, document the scene with photographs or videos, being careful not to tamper with potential evidence (e.g., discarded items or food left nearby).

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the apprehension of those responsible for these shocking acts of cruelty in Kwu Tung. Solving this case is not only about justice for the deceased animals but also about ensuring public safety and preventing further tragedy in the community.

Hong Kong law enforcement launched an immediate manhunt Thursday evening following a volatile anti-narcotics operation in To Kwa Wan that left three men injured, including at least one Customs officer, following a struggle inside a residential building. The incident unfolded just after 5 p.m. at Honour Building on 80 To Kwa Wan Road, where Customs officials were reportedly executing a raid on a suspected drug-related premises.

The dramatic nature of the resistance encountered during the raid resulted in three individuals sustaining slash wounds. Initial reports indicate two victims suffered injuries to their legs, while another victim sustained a hand injury. All three injured parties were conscious and transported by ambulance to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for urgent medical attention. The individual responsible for the attack managed to flee the scene amid the chaos.

Large-Scale Police Response Secures Residential Area

The severity of the assault prompted a significant deployment of police resources to the area, located in Kowloon City. Patrolling officers swiftly cordoned off the perimeter of the apartment block to secure the scene for forensic investigation.

In a measure illustrating the high-risk nature of the escapee, specialized units were quickly mobilized to assist in the search. Notably, the Counter Terrorism Response Unit (CTRU) was deployed alongside regular police teams to reinforce the area containment and pursuit efforts. Supported by police dogs, officers conducted thorough searches of the building’s stairwells, common areas, and surrounding neighborhood well into the evening in an effort to locate the assailant.

The immediate objective for law enforcement remains the swift apprehension of the suspect, who is considered dangerous given the use of a weapon during the alleged escape. The investigation is primarily focused on gathering crucial evidence from the apartment and interviewing witnesses to determine the full sequence of events leading up to the violence.

The Context of Enforcement Operations

This violent confrontation underscores the inherent dangers faced by Hong Kong’s enforcement personnel during operations targeting illicit narcotics. Drug raids, often conducted in private residences, can be unpredictable, requiring officers to be prepared for sudden and aggressive resistance.

While Customs focuses heavily on preventing the cross-border trafficking of narcotics, internal operations targeting distribution networks within the city often involve complex coordination with the Hong Kong Police Force. The deployment of elite units like the CTRU in such situations, even in a supporting search capacity, highlights the priority placed on minimizing public threat and ensuring officer safety.

Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the incident or the whereabouts of the suspect to contact the police immediately. The comprehensive investigation into both the suspected drug activity and the serious assault is ongoing, with officials committed to restoring safety and order to the To Kwa Wan community. Further updates on the suspects’ capture and the condition of the injured officers are expected to follow.

A high-profile legal battle is escalating in Hong Kong as one of the key figures linked to the massive JPEX virtual asset platform investigation, Joseph Lam, made an appearance in Eastern Magistrates’ Courts this week. Lam, an influencer, is among 16 individuals formally charged in connection with the alleged fraud, which police report has impacted at least 2,709 victims with total losses nearing HK$1.6 billion.

Lam’s case has been formally transferred to the High Court, with the next hearing scheduled for December 15. The proceedings mark a significant step in the wider crackdown on the unlicensed virtual asset exchange, which captured public attention earlier this year due to its aggressive celebrity endorsement campaigns.

Legal Proceedings and Bail Conditions

During the court appearance on November 6, Lam was granted bail set at HK$300,000. The court imposed strict conditions, including the surrender of all travel documents, an explicit ban on leaving Hong Kong, and a requirement for daily police reporting. Amid the serious charges, Lam maintained a remarkably composed demeanor, joking to local press upon exiting the courtroom that the police detention facilities were “more comfortable than home.”

Speaking to media outlets following his release, Lam emphasized his lack of concern and stated he was actively consulting his legal team regarding potential plans for a press conference. He expressed his intention to address public scrutiny directly once he had rested, insisting he was not the primary culpable party in the alleged scheme. He also publicly thanked his mother and girlfriend, Hiromi Wada, for their support, noting he would discuss future steps with them before making further public statements.

The Scope of the Alleged Fraud

The JPEX probe represents one of the largest cryptocurrency fraud investigations in Hong Kong’s history. As of the latest police briefing, authorities have received over 2,709 formal complaints and made 80 arrests to date, though only 16 individuals have been formally charged.

Lam is one of eight defendants in a related case facing a potential total of 33 charges. These include serious offenses such as conspiracy to defraud, using fraudulent or reckless misrepresentation to induce investment in virtual assets, and money laundering.

Prosecutors allege that Lam played a critical role in misleading investors between July 8 and September 12, 2023. Specifically, the charges detail that Lam allegedly made false claims asserting that JPEX held licenses in various jurisdictions, that platform withdrawals were consistently reliable, and that he possessed insider, non-public information about JPEX’s operations. Critically, prosecutors claim he promised fixed percentage returns on specific virtual asset investments, thereby exploiting investors for personal benefit.

Influencers Under Scrutiny

The defendants charged in this massive fraud include several public personalities who actively promoted the JPEX platform, highlighting the dual risk of unregulated virtual assets and the power of social media endorsement.

Key individuals charged alongside Lam include:

• Chan Wing-yee (Chan Yee)
• Leung Yee-sheung (Cheung Cheung)
• YouTuber Stanley Chu
• Chiu King-yin, general manager of Coingaroo
• Au Wai-kei, operations director of Coingaroo

In court, bail was contested for one defendant, Cheng Chun-hei, and subsequently refused by the magistrate. Lam and Chan Wing-yee secured bail at HK$300,000 each, while the remaining five defendants in the group received bail ranging from HK$50,000 to HK$100,000. All defendants granted release face stringent non-contact orders with prosecution witnesses.

As this complex case moves through the High Court, it serves as a stark reminder of the regulatory risks associated with the unregulated virtual asset space and the critical need for due diligence before engaging with celebrity-endorsed investment platforms. Investors are urged to only utilize virtual asset trading platforms licensed by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to mitigate potential fraudulent risks.

A prominent Hong Kong personality, Joseph Lam, appeared in Eastern Magistrates’ Courts this morning amidst the ongoing legal fallout from the substantial JPEX virtual asset platform investigation. Lam is among 16 individuals, including several social media influencers, charged in connection with the alleged scheme, which authorities assert has impacted at least 2,709 victims with reported losses of approximately HK$1.6 billion. The appearance marks a significant step in the high-profile case involving allegations of financial misconduct in the rapidly evolving cryptocurrency landscape.

Lam’s bail was set at HK$300,000, subject to stringent conditions, including surrendering all travel documents, a prohibition on departing Hong Kong, and mandatory daily reporting to law enforcement. His case is slated for transfer and hearing at the High Court on December 15. The investigation has drawn extensive public scrutiny, particularly concerning the role of public figures who promoted the now-defunct platform.

The Wide-Reaching Allegations

Police confirmed that as of a recent update, they have recorded over 2,709 complaints, with the combined alleged losses reaching the region of HK$1.6 billion. The extensive probe has resulted in 80 arrests to date. Among the 16 formally charged, attention has centered on well-known promotional figures like Lam, Chan Wing-yee, and Leung Yee-sheung, alongside several other business and tech personalities associated with the crypto venture.

Lam is one of eight defendants named in a related charge sheet, collectively facing 33 charges. These serious allegations include conspiracy to defraud, inducing investments in virtual assets through fraudulent or reckless misrepresentation, and money laundering.

Specifically, prosecutors allege that Lam committed fraud between July 8 and September 12, 2023, by making misleading or false assertions designed to encourage investment. These purported claims included stating that JPEX held necessary licenses in multiple jurisdictions, that platform withdrawals were reliable, that he possessed non-public information about the platform, and that specific virtual asset investments guaranteed fixed percentage returns. The prosecution argues these assertions induced investors to trade, leading to their losses and financial gain for Lam.

Court Proceedings and Defendant Status

Represented by Senior Counsel Cheng Huan, Lam entered the court wearing subdued attire. While his girlfriend, Hiromi Wada, was present in the public gallery, Lam reportedly appeared tired, acknowledging the interpreter’s reading of the fraud charge with a simple “understood.”

One co-defendant, Cheng Chun-hei (31), had his bail application refused by the magistrate. Conversely, the court granted bail to Lam, Chan Wing-yee, and five other defendants, though the remaining five had lower bail amounts ranging from HK$50,000 to HK$100,000. All were given strict conditions, including restrictions on contacting prosecution witnesses.

Despite the serious legal implications, Lam was reportedly defiant upon leaving court, striking a confident tone and making a surprising comment to media that his cell was “more comfortable than home.” He later informed local media that he was not worried and was consulting his legal team about organizing a press conference to address public concerns directly. Lam insisted he was not the most culpable party in the alleged scheme and welcomed scrutiny.

Next Steps for the Defendants

Authorities have noted that while Lam’s group of eight is proceeding together, the cases against the other eight defendants involved in the overall JPEX investigation are moving separately. One case has already been transferred to the District Court, underscoring the fragmented but widespread nature of this significant financial investigation.

The legal journey for Lam and the other defendants continues as the case against the unlicensed virtual asset trading platform moves toward the High Court, focusing public attention on the responsibilities of online promoters and the need for rigorous consumer protection in the virtual asset market.