Hong Kong police arrest 25 for allegedly cashing out HK$5.7 million in MPF funds illegally
- Suspects are accused of illegally claiming amounts from HK$2,000 to HK$600,000, a few instigated and assisted by rogue middle men
The suspects – 18 men and seven women – who had various occupations including construction workers, clerks and salespeople were accused of claiming benefits ranging from HK$2,000 to HK$600,000 between late 2022 and early this year, according to the force.
Inspector Lam Ying-pan of the Wong Tai Sin district crime squad said on Monday that police were notified of the cases by authorised MPF agencies which had detected suspicious activity.
Lam said in some of the cases, MPF contributors submitted false declarations purportedly issued by the Home Affairs Department, claiming they had plans to leave Hong Kong for good as part of their applications for early fund withdrawals.
“Additionally, some claimants submitted bogus medical certificates stating that they were completely incapable of managing their own affairs,” he said. “Their intention was to withdraw their MPF contributions earlier than permitted.”
After gathering evidence, police arrested the 25 residents in a series of raids across the city between Tuesday and Friday last week.