HONG KONG — Four former and current student union members from Lingnan University have been arrested for allegedly embezzling HK$1.3 million from the union’s funds to cover personal expenses, authorities announced on Thursday.
According to Police Chief Inspector Au Yeung Tak, the suspects — three male students and one female student aged between 21 and 24 — were arrested on suspicion of theft and conspiracy to steal. The alleged incidents occurred between April 2024 and April 2025.
“Two former union members issued four cheques totalling HK$1.3 million. One cheque of HK$400,000 was deposited into a local student group’s account, while the remaining HK$900,000 was transferred into the personal accounts of two current union members,” Au Yeung stated.
Investigations revealed that the money was used for personal expenses, including credit card debts, entertainment, meals, air travel, accommodation, and personal loan repayments. Some funds were also deposited into personal investment accounts, police said.
The New Territories North crime unit launched the investigation after receiving a report of financial misconduct and misappropriation within the Lingnan University Students’ Union. Police later searched the homes of the four suspects and retrieved four cheque books during an on-site investigation at the university.
Chief Inspector Au Yeung labeled the case a “serious breach of trust” and warned that further arrests could follow as the investigation continues.
Lingnan University and its students’ union have not issued a formal statement. Union President Hong Cheuk-in declined to comment, and Vice President Isaac Lai had previously denied allegations when similar claims surfaced in November 2024 via a mass email from an anonymous student.
Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward.
