Police look into extortion letter to property firms

Police Commissioner Dick Lee Ming-kwai yesterday confirmed police were investigating an extortion case involving several property companies.

'We've formed a special investigation team in the Organised Crime and Triad Bureau, and it is looking into the matter because it is a very serious offence. We are taking the matter seriously,' Mr Lee said, but declined to reveal further details of the case.

He also did not reveal the number of property companies threatened, or whether the case was related to financial or personal motives.

He emphasised that blackmail was a serious criminal offence that carried a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment.

It has been reported that at least one property company received an extortion letter threatening to carry out a bomb attack if money was not paid. It is understood that no traces of explosives or dangerous chemicals have been found on the letter, which is also being tested for fingerprints.

Mr Lee said the number of criminal intimidation cases in the first half of the year was higher than in the same period last year, and that they were related mostly to money or business disputes.