Abby Choi murder trial opens in Hong Kong with ex‑husband and in‑laws accused over HK$60m flat feud

On October 1, the ex-husband and in-laws accused of murdering Hong Kong model and influencer Abby Choi appeared in court in a case that has shocked the city. Choi, who had over 140,000 followers on Instagram, was killed in 2023, and her dismembered body was discovered at a suburban house. Her death received widespread media attention, as violent crime is uncommon in Hong Kong.

At the hearing, Alex Kwong, his father Kwong Kau, and his brother Anthony Kwong pleaded not guilty to murder charges. The three are also accused of obstructing the lawful burial of a body, with Alex and Anthony Kwong admitting guilt. Choi had two children with Alex Kwong, who she divorced, and then married Chris Tam, with whom she had two more children.

Prosecutors allege that Choi and her ex-husband's family had financial disputes over a luxury property she had purchased for them, with Choi registering the property under her former father-in-law's name to avoid higher taxes. Relations between Choi and the Kwong family deteriorated in 2022 after she attempted to sell the flat, which she had paid HK$60 million (RM31 million) for.

Prosecutors claim that Kwong Kau, a 68-year-old retired police sergeant, became "extremely resentful and angry" over the sale attempt, and he and his sons conspired to kill Choi. The prosecution states that each of the three defendants played a part in Choi's murder and burying her body in a suburban house. The trial, which is expected to last until December, adjourned until Friday.