Hong Kong Police Bust ‘Suicide Script’ Scam Ring That Swindled Millions
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A sophisticated fraud ring that fabricated a dramatic narrative involving suicidal internet lovers and massive inheritances has been dismantled by Hong Kong police, authorities said, shedding light on the evolving tactics of organized digital crime.
Police disclosed on Feb. 2 that they had broken up the syndicate, which operated a novel variation of the so-called “pig-butchering” scam — a long-game fraud where criminals groom victims online before stealing their money. Over a 16-month period, the group defrauded 314 victims of a combined HK$44 million ($6.34 million).
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- Hong Kong police dismantled a fraud ring that defrauded 314 victims of HK$44 million using a romance and inheritance scam, arresting 11 people and seizing cash and luxury goods.
- The syndicate used fake personas and multi-layered deception, with 62 victims being scammed twice for an additional HK$7.4 million.
- In 2025, Hong Kong recorded 39,490 fraud cases totaling HK$7.39 billion, with fraud now making up 48.3% of all city crimes.
- 2024–2026：
- A separate ring laundered approximately HK$32 million in illegal online gambling proceeds over the past two years.
- Between January 2025 and November 2025：
- Hong Kong recorded 39,490 fraud cases, accounting for 48.3% of all criminal cases, with total losses of HK$7.39 billion.
- Jan. 17, 2026：
- Police conducted raids on the syndicate, arresting individuals and seizing cash, luxury watches, liquor, and jewelry.
- Jan. 18, 2026：
- Police continued raids and completed the arrest of 11 individuals, including three alleged ringleaders.
- Before Feb. 2, 2026：
- Police dismantled a fraud syndicate in Hong Kong that used an elaborate online romance and inheritance scam.
- Over a 16-month period before Feb. 2, 2026：
- The syndicate defrauded 314 victims out of a total of HK$44 million (US$6.34 million).
- As of Feb. 2, 2026：
- Police announced the results of a broader campaign ('Mou Gong') resulting in 682 arrests and the solving of 580 scam-related cases totaling HK$620 million.
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