Hong Kong authorities have captured three teenagers and rescued a 19-year-old victim who was subjected to assault and unlawful detention.
According to the report, the victim was lured under the pretense of meeting people and trading crypto assets but was then held captive and beaten by a group of nine suspects demanding HK$180,000 (around $23,000) in crypto profits.
After the victim alerted a friend, the police were able to arrest two suspects outside the Harbour Grand Kowloon Hotel and another within the premises. The remaining six individuals, comprising four males and two females, are still being actively pursued by the authorities.
This incident highlights the growing trend of digital asset-related crimes in Hong Kong, with reported cases increasing from 1,397 to 3,415 and the corresponding amounts involved rising from HK$824 million to HK$4.398 billion over the past three years. Authorities are urging caution and vigilance when engaging in crypto-related activities.
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