Indian-born alleged jailbreaker and terrorism funder ‘Romi’ in custody over Hong Kong robbery
Born in Punjab state but raised and based in Hong Kong, Ramanjit Singh is wanted by Interpol accused of a litany of crimes related to terrorism and political killings. India has requested his extradition
An Indian-born Hong Kong resident who sparked a global manhunt over alleged links to terrorism, political killings and a daring jailbreak is facing possible extradition while being held by local police following his arrest for a multimillion-dollar robbery in the city.
India lodged an official request for the extradition of 29-year-old Ramanjit Singh, alias Romi, who was being held at the city’s high-security Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre.
Singh was among five men charged over a robbery in which more than 450 million Japanese yen (HK$32 million) was stolen in Tsim Sha Tsui on February 9. The money was later recovered.
A force insider said the hold-up happened while Singh was on court bail after being charged over another robbery in Hung Hom in March last year, involving HK$3.2 million.
Singh was arrested on February 21 at a roadblock set up by police in Sham Shui Po. He appeared in court over the robbery charge two days later and the case was adjourned to April 9.
International police organisation Interpol launched a worldwide search for Singh after receiving a request from India’s justice department. It is not clear when that request was made.