Three arrested in Hong Kong over craft beer machine investment scam
Hong Kong police arrested two men and a woman, aged 46 to 54, for suspected fraud over a craft beer machine investment scheme. Six victims, mostly elderly, invested over HK$4 million after being promised a 60 per cent annual return. The group allegedly held seminars and paid initial interest before
Hong Kong police have arrested three people in connection with an investment scam involving craft beer machines. The suspects — two men and a woman aged 46 to 54 — were taken into custody on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud. They are believed to be a company director, an office manager, and an individual responsible for recruiting investors.
According to police, the criminal syndicate began luring members of the public into investing in craft beer machines from November last year. The machines were claimed to be leased out in mainland China, with investors promised a guaranteed annual return of 60 per cent. The group allegedly organised investment seminars and invited potential investors to their office to sample beer as part of their sales pitch.
Investigators said the syndicate initially paid interest to investors but later stopped all payments. Police have found that the group had no actual business operations in Hong Kong and that some investment funds were transferred to private bank accounts.
Police have so far identified six suspected victims, most of whom are elderly. Together they invested more than HK$4 million in the scheme.
On 6 November, officers carried out searches at multiple locations, seizing investment contracts, HK$80,000 in cash, and mobile phones as evidence. The investigation is ongoing, and police have not ruled out the possibility of more victims.