Gang that used girl, 12, in Hong Kong diamond heist arrested in mainland China
HK$36m necklace was grabbed from Tsim Sha Tsui store by 12-year-old girl as staff were distracted by adult accomplices
A mainland gang that roped in a young girl to steal a HK$36 million diamond necklace from a high-end jewellery store in Hong Kong has been busted.
At least four core gang members were picked up by public security officers on the mainland late last year and police there were still investigating whether the gang was linked to similar heists across Asia, sources with knowledge of the investigation said.
The girl who carried out the theft under the noses of store staff about 14 months ago has been identified as a 12-year-old from the mainland, one source has revealed.
“As she is underage, she is not under arrest under the mainland judiciary system,” he added.
It is understood the stolen necklace – embedded with more than 40 diamonds totalling 117 carats – has not been recovered.
“But one or two loose diamonds, believed to have been removed from the necklace, were found during the arrests,” the source said.