By South China Morning Post | Created at 2024-12-20 05:46:43 | Updated at 2024-12-20 12:45:54
7 hours ago
Hong Kong police have arrested 39 people suspected of staging 33 traffic accidents to falsely claim around HK$2 million (US$257,4167) 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 to 48 and including salespeople, logistic workers and administrative staff, were arrested between December 16 and 19 under 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 Kowloon West regional crime unit, said.
“Investigations by the 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 assistance related to the 33 traffic accidents.
