Man held over HK$5.4 million theft identified as ringleader of notorious armed robbery gang released from Hong Kong jail 4 years ago
Ho Tung-shing, 60, received 17 life sentences for masterminding a series of violent robberies about three decades ago but was released from prison in 2014
A 60-year-old suspect arrested on Monday over a brazen jewellery store heist last week in Tsim Sha Tsui was identified as the mastermind of a series of violent robberies three decades ago who was given 17 life sentences for that crime spree.
Ho Tung-shing, whose gang took off with more than HK$124 million in 16 robberies between 1986 and 1991, was released from jail in 2014, according to sources.
He was arrested in connection with last Wednesday’s HK$5.4 million robbery at the Ocean Centre shopping mall after police checked security camera footage in more than 20 buildings in Bowring Street, Yau Ma Tei, where he was last seen. Officers caught him on the stairs of a Waterloo Road building in the same district.
“The six stolen items, including a HK$1.7 million 10-carat diamond, were recovered in a shoulder bag he was carrying at the time of the arrest,” one police source said.
Ho was 37 years old when he was sentenced to life imprisonment by the High Court in 1993. He had admitted a total of 23 charges including 16 robberies, three attempted robberies, shooting with intent to resist arrest, and possession of arms and ammunition without a licence.
During the hold-ups, a man was shot dead and another was paralysed after his spinal cord was shattered by a bullet.
Gone in 27 seconds … video shows thieves snatching HK$5 million in jewellery
Ho denied murder and was found guilty of manslaughter by a High Court jury. He was given 17 life terms for 15 of the robberies and the shooting offences, and was jailed for a total of 25 years for the other charges.