Key facts
- 33 people arrested in a joint Hong Kong-Shenzhen operation.
- Suspects targeted Hong Kong residents in Shenzhen, stealing credit cards.
- Stolen cards were used for purchases in Hong Kong, with goods resold.
- Total losses exceeded HK$1.8 million (US$229,500).
- The syndicate operated in three layers: thieves, transporters, and card users.
Hong Kong and mainland Chinese police have arrested 33 people in a joint operation to crack down on a suspected credit card theft syndicate that targeted Hong Kong residents traveling to Shenzhen. The group allegedly stole credit cards from victims in Shenzhen, then brought them back to Hong Kong to make fraudulent purchases, primarily of high-value smartphones, which were then resold. The total losses from these fraudulent activities exceeded HK$1.8 million (US$229,500). The syndicate was described as having a three-tiered structure involving thieves, transporters, and individuals who used the stolen cards. Police noted an increase in such fraudulent activities starting in April.