7 suspects in cryptocurrency kidnapping returned to Hong Kong after being arrested in mainland China
- Men were wanted in connection with abduction of cryptocurrency trader, who was held for HK$30 million ransom
- Suspects picked up by mainland authorities in series of raids in Foshan and Shanwei earlier this week
Seven suspected triad members accused of involvement in the kidnapping of a Hong Kong cryptocurrency trader for a HK$30 million (US$3.8 million) ransom last year have been sent back to the city after they were arrested in mainland China.
The seven men, believed to be members of the Sun Yee On triad, were handed over to Hong Kong officers by mainland authorities at the Shenzhen Bay border control point at about 1pm on Friday before being taken to Tin Shui Wai Police Station.
The suspects, aged 25 to 28, included an alleged ringleader of the group and another cryptocurrency trader who was accused of using a bogus transaction to lure the 39-year-old victim to a Kowloon Bay industrial centre where he was abducted on November 6, a police source said.
He added that the seven men fled the city for Shenzhen via illegal channels after officers raided a New Territories house and rescued the victim on November 12.
The victim suffered fractures to his arms and legs from beatings he received while abducted. The kidnappers had demanded a HK$30 million ransom from his family, but police said no money changed hands.
However, the source said it was believed that some HK$35 million in Tether tokens had been stolen from the victim’s e-wallet after he was forced to hand over the password during his week in captivity.
In Hong Kong, police have arrested and charged eight men with conspiracy to kidnap over the case. Abduction is punishable by life imprisonment under the Offences against the Person Ordinance.