24 August 2025 – Hong Kong — Police have arrested two more suspects in connection with a growing fraud scheme involving ride-hailing services through the Amap navigation app, bringing the total number of arrests to three.
The latest arrests were made on 18 and 23 August in Lok Ma Chau and Tin Shui Wai. This case has sparked public concern after reports that Mainland Chinese drivers were illegally operating in Hong Kong using fraudulent ride-hailing accounts to transport paying passengers.
The investigation began on 11 August, when a passenger in Tsuen Wan grew suspicious after noticing the driver spoke only Mandarin and was unfamiliar with local streets. When questioned, the driver admitted to not holding a Hong Kong identity card, prompting the passenger to report him to authorities.
Following the complaint, the New Territories South Regional Traffic and Criminal Divisions launched a probe that uncovered a fraud syndicate. The group had reportedly used stolen or misused personal information to create ride-hailing accounts through partner service providers connected to the Amap platform. These accounts were then passed to unauthorised drivers, allowing them to collect fares while the syndicate took a cut in commissions.
On 13 August, police arrested a 53-year-old local man who had allegedly provided his personal details to register a fake ride-hailing account and had personally used such accounts to transport passengers. He remains in custody.
The two latest suspects include:
A 46-year-old Mainland man, who has been released on bail pending a court appearance in mid-September.
A 32-year-old Mainland man, who remains in custody and is facing multiple charges, including:
Conspiracy to defraud
Illegal use of a vehicle for hire
Driving without third-party insurance
Breach of conditions of stay
Authorities believe the syndicate has been operating for around two months, recruiting both Hong Kong and Mainland individuals via social media and personal connections. Recruits were allegedly paid commissions for supplying personal information, arranging vehicles, and coordinating drivers.
Police are now pursuing three more suspects, including a key figure believed to be in charge of recruitment and operations. Investigators are also working to trace additional fraudulent accounts and vehicles connected to the scheme.
Officials stated they are collaborating with the Amap platform and its service partners to identify shadow accounts and dismantle the syndicate’s network.
