In 30 seconds, 1 billion yen was robbed; two employees of a Japanese company were attacked with knives while exchanging Crypto Assets in Hong Kong.

On December 23, the Hong Kong police announced the latest progress on the knife robbery case involving 1 billion yen (approximately 50 million HKD) in Sheung Wan, having arrested 15 individuals involved, including the mastermind, some of whom have ties to organized crime. Seven people have been formally charged with “conspiracy to commit robbery.” The police stated that the case involves a Japanese company engaged in virtual money and luxury handbag business. On the day of the incident (December 18), two company employees carried four suitcases filled with a large amount of yen in cash, preparing to exchange the funds for crypto assets and HKD through a familiar money exchange shop. However, near the New Era Plaza in Sheung Wan, they were swiftly robbed of all their cash by four knife-wielding assailants within 30 seconds. Investigations showed that the robbers had clear divisions of labor, with some responsible for the robbery, some “watching out,” and others providing vehicles, quickly transferring the stolen money after the crime, indicating a mature method of operation. The police have recovered the knives, clothing, and masks used during the crime, but the whereabouts of most of the stolen money are still under investigation. The police emphasized that they believe they have apprehended all individuals involved in the case. This incident highlights the security risks associated with the offline exchange of large amounts of cash and crypto assets, and related investigations are ongoing.