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Hong Kong Charges 16 in HK$1.6 Billion JPEX Crypto Case as Interpol Seeks 3 Fugitives

The case marks the first use of Hong Kong’s anti-money-laundering law in a virtual-asset inducement prosecution.

Overview

  • Police charged 16 people including influencer Joseph Lam with inducing virtual-asset investments, conspiracy to defraud, and money laundering.
  • Six of the accused are described as core members, seven are influencers or OTC operators, and three allegedly held stooge accounts.
  • Interpol issued red notices for fugitives Mok Tsun-ting, Cheung Chon-cheong and Kwok Ho-lun.
  • Investigators report 80 arrests since 2023, asset freezes and seizures of about HK$228 million, and more than 2,700 victim reports totaling roughly HK$1.6 billion.
  • Authorities allege JPEX touted high-yield ads and influencer promotions before moving deposits through crypto wallets, with the 16 due in Eastern Court on Thursday.