Hong Kong police announced on Tuesday the arrest of a 24-year-old who is suspected of stealing HK$1.5 million (US$191,076) in cryptocurrencies in a physical cash-to-crypto transaction.
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Fast facts
- The police labeled the rare on-site cryptocurrency theft as a serious crime punishable by 10 years in prison, if convicted.
- Hong Kong police spokeswoman Tong Sin-tung said at a Wednesday press conference the suspect had a face-to-face cryptocurrency transaction with the victim at a business located in tourist hub Tsim Sha Tsui on May 4.
- After the victim transferred the crypto to the suspect’s wallet, the suspect fled through a side door and locked the victim inside.
- Tong said the trading location was leased by a shell company for HK$4,000 (US$509) per month in April.
- The shop’s cash register was not connected to a power outlet and the “computer” was an empty box.
- Tong said the police are seeking to determine if the suspect was working alone, adding that the ongoing investigation could result in further arrests.
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