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Fake cheques helped Hong Kong gang net luxury cars and whisky worth HK$13 million

Police bust syndicate said to be responsible for 13 online shopping scams by which con artists walked away with two Maserati Ghiblis and a BMW X5

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The Hong Kong police force’s Cybersecurity and Technology Crime Bureau introduces the case on Tuesday. Photo: Nora Tam

Hong Kong police have arrested 14 people after smashing a criminal gang which used fake cashier’s cheques to obtain HK$13.6 million (US$1.73 million) worth of luxury cars and whisky, officers revealed on Tuesday.

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The 16 cheques looked so genuine that even frontline bank staff could not tell the difference, according to the police Cybersecurity and Technology Crime Bureau.

One of those arrested was charged and brought to court on Friday.

The group had operated since July and was thought to be responsible for at least 13 online shopping scams.

Superintendent Swalikh Mohammed (centre) said the gang had netted seven luxury cars worth a total of HK$5 million, including two Maserati Ghiblis and a BMW X5, by conning the sellers on social media. Photo: Nora Tam
Superintendent Swalikh Mohammed (centre) said the gang had netted seven luxury cars worth a total of HK$5 million, including two Maserati Ghiblis and a BMW X5, by conning the sellers on social media. Photo: Nora Tam
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Superintendent Swalikh Mohammed said the gang had netted seven luxury cars worth a total of HK$5 million, including two Maserati Ghiblis and a BMW X5, by conning the sellers on social media. One victim lost 12 bottles of whisky worth HK$5 million.

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