Police recover HK$30 million in gold swapped for fabric softener in hotel theft

Hong Kong authorities have recovered approximately HK$30 million worth of stolen gold after burglars replaced it with fabric softener in a hotel room. Two men have been apprehended in connection to the elaborate theft. The crime was reported by a mainland Chinese individual whose luggage was allegedly targeted at a Kwun Tong hotel.

The suspect had swapped 30kg of gold with eight bottles of fabric softener, and a companion who traveled with him went missing. Police utilized surveillance footage to locate the suspects, eventually arresting them. One individual was apprehended in Tai Po, while another was captured attempting to leave Hong Kong. The mastermind is believed to be the victim's traveling companion, who allegedly arranged for the men to purchase the fabric softener and book an adjacent hotel room.

The theft, which took only two minutes, was deemed meticulously planned by Chief Inspector Tang Tsz-hin of the Kwun Tong police district. The suspects, aged 27 and 41, are Chinese nationals with valid permits and are currently being held for further investigation. The victim, also a two-way permit holder, was involved in the buying and selling of gold at licensed establishments.

The alleged mastermind is believed to have already fled the country before the victim reported the incident, and authorities are actively searching for him. Under Hong Kong law, theft can result in a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.