Hong Kong police: Over 2,000 people were arrested for fraud and money laundering in the first quarter of this year, with 70% involving "puppet accounts."

The Hong Kong Police Force's Financial Intelligence and Investigation Bureau, in conjunction with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Hong Kong Association of Banks, jointly held an "Anti-Money Laundering Exhibition." Hong Kong Police Commissioner Raymond Siu disclosed data stating that in the first quarter of this year, Hong Kong recorded over 9,400 fraud cases, a decrease of about 60 cases compared to the same period last year, but the amount of losses exceeded HKD 1.85 billion, an increase of nearly HKD 300 million compared to the same period last year. In the first quarter of this year, about 2,000 people were arrested for fraud and money laundering-related cases, with approximately 70% being "puppet account" holders.

The Hong Kong police remind that under the law, a conviction for money laundering can result in a maximum fine of HKD 5 million and imprisonment for 14 years, and the court may apply for an increased sentence depending on the circumstances.