Jewellery fair exhibitor robbed, suspect arrested in Tsing Yi
AM730 · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A visiting jewellery trader from Sri Lanka was allegedly targeted shortly after arriving in Hong Kong for a jewellery exhibition, with rough gemstones worth nearly HK$1 million stolen while he was checking into a hotel near the airport. Police said they arrested a 32-year-old Algerian man the same night at a hotel in Tsing Yi and recovered all of the missing property.
Key Points
- The 29-year-old Sri Lankan victim arrived in Hong Kong with a companion through Hong Kong International Airport on Sunday, 13 September, to take part in a jewellery exhibition.
- After checking into a hotel near the airport, the victim was approached in the lobby by another foreign man while waiting, and the man allegedly searched his backpack.
- Rough gemstones intended for exhibition, with a total value of nearly HK$1 million, were allegedly stolen before the suspect fled the scene.
- Police arrested a 32-year-old Algerian man at about 8pm on the same day at a hotel in Tsing Yi on suspicion of theft.
- Airport District investigators later recovered all stolen items from the suspect's hotel room after reviewing extensive CCTV footage, including cameras under the Sharp Eye Scheme.
Why It Matters
The case comes as Hong Kong is hosting jewellery exhibitions that have drawn traders from around the world, increasing the movement of high-value stones and display items through hotels and transport hubs. Police said they have stepped up high-profile patrols, intelligence analysis and enforcement, while urging exhibitors to keep valuables under constant watch and avoid disclosing where items are stored.