Interpol Issues Red Notices For Hong Kong Crypto Promoters in Fraud and Theft Cases

 Story highlights

• Interpol’s red notices for Wong Ching-kit and Mok Tsun-ting highlight international cooperation in tackling crypto-related crimes.
•  Wong and Mok were previously arrested in 2019 and 2023 for their roles in separate crypto fraud cases.
•  The JPEX scandal, involving Mok, resulted in over 2,600 victim complaints and losses amounting to HK$1.6 billion.

Interpol Targets Hong Kong Crypto Promoters in Major Fraud Cases

Interpol has issued red notices for two prominent Hong Kong crypto promoters. Wong Ching-kit, also known as “Coin Young Master,” faces one count of fraud and two counts of theft. His associate, Mok Tsun-ting, is wanted on two counts of money laundering. The notices were requested by Hong Kong’s police force, which is still investigating the cases.

Wong and Mok’s legal troubles date back to 2019. Hong Kong police arrested them for fraud related to the sale of Filecoin mining rigs. The duo allegedly made false claims on social media and during investment seminars to sell the equipment. After their initial arrest, they were released on bail.

Mok was arrested again in September 2023 in the JPEX cryptocurrency fraud case. This case, Hong Kong’s largest crypto scandal, saw over 2,000 complaints and estimated losses of $178 million. Mok was released on bail after his arrest. The scandal continues to unfold, with more than 70 people arrested and over 2,600 victims coming forward with losses amounting to HK$1.6 billion.

Wong, whose real name is Kwan Tsz-kit, has a history of controversial behavior. In 2018, he orchestrated a public stunt by arriving in a Lamborghini adorned with a cryptocurrency logo and throwing cash from a rooftop. This led to a suspended jail sentence for disorderly conduct in public. Wong was also identified as one of the influencers promoting JPEX, with authorities ordering him to stop his promotions.

Understanding Interpol’s Red Notices

An Interpol red notice is a request for law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. It is not an international arrest warrant but serves as a tool for international cooperation in apprehending fugitives. Each member country decides whether to arrest the individual based on its laws.

Besides Wong and Mok, Interpol has previously issued red notices for six other individuals wanted by Hong Kong police. Additionally, Hong Kong’s national security police issued arrest warrants for 13 overseas activists, offering bounties for information leading to their arrests. However, Interpol did not receive requests for red notices or wanted person diffusions for these activists.

Conclusion

Interpol’s involvement in the cases of Wong Ching-kit and Mok Tsun-ting underscores the ongoing efforts to address crypto-related crimes. The issuance of red notices highlights the severity of their alleged offenses and the international cooperation needed to bring them to justice. Hong Kong authorities continue their investigation into these high-profile cases, aiming to resolve the fraud and theft charges against the accused crypto promoters.