Police arrest three after six Hong Kong bitcoin ATMs pilfered for HK$230,000 in first-of-its-kind crime in the city

  • The suspects, said to be ‘core members’ of a larger syndicate, took advantage of unspecified ‘loopholes’ in order to withdraw cash without authorisation
  • All three, aged 26 to 55, were arrested in Mong Kok over Thursday and Friday

Three men believed part of a larger syndicate were arrested on Thursday and Friday for allegedly stealing nearly HK$230,000 from bitcoin ATMs located in Hong Kong. Photo: AP

Hong Kong police have arrested three men believed to be tied to a broader syndicate who allegedly cheated bitcoin ATMs out of nearly HK$230,000 (US$30,000), the first case of its kind in the city.

The force took action over the past two days after reports were filed by two cryptocurrency exchanges. The exchanges suspected the culprits had taken advantage of “loopholes” in the ATMs, withdrawing cash without official authorisations.

Print option is available for subscribers only.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Copyright © 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.