15 suspects arrested in billion-yen robbery case in Hong Kong

Hong Kong police have arrested 15 people in connection with an armed robbery in which about 1 billion Japanese yen (US$6.4 million) in cash was stolen in the Sheung Wan area, authorities said today. The stolen cash has not yet been recovered, Knews reported.

The robbery occurred around 9am on December 18 on Wing Lok Street in Sheung Wan. A 39-year-old man from the Chinese mainland holding a Two-way Permit and a 51-year-old local driver were transporting a large sum of Japanese yen to a money exchange shop when they were ambushed by a group of armed assailants.

Police said a vehicle pulled up to the scene and three suspects got out. One of them brandished a large knife to threaten the victims, while the group seized four suitcases filled with cash. The suspects then boarded another waiting vehicle and fled. The entire robbery lasted about only 30 seconds, and no injuries were reported, according to Knews

Police described the crime as well-organized and carefully planned. The suspects acted swiftly and in a highly coordinated manner, with some directly carrying out the robbery, others acting as lookouts, and others providing vehicles. Investigators believe the stolen cash was transferred between vehicles shortly after the crime to evade detection, according to the report.

The victims were reportedly employees of a Japanese company involved in cryptocurrency and luxury goods trading. They had traveled to Hong Kong to exchange a large amount of Japanese yen when the robbery took place.

Those arrested include 11 men and four women, aged between 20 and 69. All of them are local residents. Some of the suspects are believed to have triad backgrounds. Seven have been formally charged, while the remaining individuals remain under investigation.

Police also arrested a 43-year-old man from the Chinese mainland outside the Shun Tak Centre in Sheung Wan on the day of the incident. Investigators later said he was not closely linked to the robbery. However, as suspected "Part I poisons" and foreign currency were found in his possession, further investigation is ongoing, according to the Southern Metropolis Daily.

Police said they believe all core members of the robbery, including the alleged mastermind, have been arrested. Investigations are continuing as officers work to trace the stolen cash, the report said.