A notorious international jewel thief - nicknamed the Sultan - who is being held in France on suspicion of being behind a string of daring heists from the United States to East Asia, may face prosecution in Hong Kong.
SAR legal chiefs are contemplating a rare legal move that could see Jean Herrina stand trial in Hong Kong, despite the fact that no extradition treaty exists between Hong Kong and France.
The two countries have signed a mutual legal assistance agreement, which does not cover extradition.
But legal sources say while Hong Kong cannot send an accused person overseas without an extradition treaty, the same does not necessarily apply in reverse.
Officials are being cautious over whether Herrina will stand trial in the SAR but they believe the existence of a mutual assistance treaty may help smooth the way.
The move comes after Hong Kong detectives went to Nice last month to speak to detectives probing jewel heists he is alleged to have carried out in France.
Herrina, 45 - who is also known as the Sultan and the Emir because he disguises himself as an oil-rich sheikh to carry out his stings - is being held in Nice after being moved from Paris, where he was arrested.