Hong Kong police arrest 8 over HK$6.2 million ‘sugar baby’ dating scam

Eight individuals have been apprehended by Hong Kong police in connection with a "sugar baby" dating scam that defrauded victims, including teachers and healthcare workers, of HK$6.2 million (US$790,000). The operation, which lasted from February to July of this year, involved 80 cases of scammers preying on their victims with promises of monthly compensation ranging from HK$50,000 to HK$70,000.

The victims, whose ages ranged from 19 to 41, were predominantly women who worked in service, retail, administrative, or professional sectors, with a significant portion being students and teachers. The scam involved the use of social media platforms to lure victims, followed by the creation of fake contracts and the demand for payments in the form of "legal fees," "High Court fees," and "termination fees."

Police seized HK$1.2 million in cash and mobile phones during the arrests, and they suspect the syndicate of conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, and possession of dangerous drugs. Victims were reportedly manipulated and coerced into transferring funds to accounts controlled by the scammers. Chief Inspector Chan Lai-yu of the technology crime division urged residents to seek police assistance immediately if they suspect they have been scammed, warning against trusting anyone who claims to be able to assist in recovering lost funds.