Hong Kong police arrest 39 who allegedly staged accidents to claim funds
Suspects faked 33 traffic accidents to fraudulently claim around HK$2 million from government’s Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme
Hong Kong police have arrested 39 people suspected of staging 33 traffic accidents to falsely claim around HK$2 million (US$257,420) in government funds granted to victims of injury.
The force on Friday said it had arrested 24 men and 15 women involved in making false claims from the Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme under the Social Welfare Department (SWD).
In the largest case, one suspect falsely claimed over HK$100,000 in financial assistance.
The suspects, aged between 19 and 48 and including salespeople, logistic workers and administrative staff, were arrested between December 16 and 19 on suspicion of fraud and conspiracy to defraud.
“Earlier this year, an internal audit by the SWD found fraudsters using doctored documents, including fake medical certificates, to apply for the scheme,” Senior Inspector Lam Tsz-lim, of the Kowloon West regional crime unit, said.
“Investigations by police found that these claims were linked to a syndicate which stages traffic accidents. One such accident involved 13 people.”
He added that the department did not issue any financial help related to the 33 traffic accidents.
