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Hong Kong JPEX cryptocurrency scandal: suspect arrested on arrival at airport, taking total to 28

  • While identity of suspect not known, individual says on Instagram he was returning to city ‘to explain the truth to the public’ and help police with investigation
  • ‘The worst thing I did in my life was to believe in this scam platform,’ says Henry Choi, who also goes by Chinese name ‘Tung Gei’

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The latest arrest brings the total number of suspects detained in relation to the scandal to 28. Photo: Bloomberg

Hong Kong police have arrested another suspect in relation to the ballooning JPEX cryptocurrency trading platform scandal, taking the total number of those taken into custody to 28.

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A source familiar with the case said that the suspect, a 28-year-old man surnamed Choi, was arrested after arriving at Hong Kong International Airport on Sunday and was said to be the owner of an over-the-counter (OTC) virtual assets money changer.

While the identity of the suspect was not known, an individual said on Instagram the same day that he was returning to the city “to explain the truth to the public” and help police with their investigation.

The alleged case of financial fraud now involves HK$1.56 billion and 2,538 victims, according to police. Photo: Edmond So
The alleged case of financial fraud now involves HK$1.56 billion and 2,538 victims, according to police. Photo: Edmond So

Henry Choi, whose Instagram handle is “hongcoin_btc” and also goes by the Chinese name “Tung Gei”, said he had lost “more than 95 per cent” of his assets.

“There are many rumours, such as ‘Tung Gei is one of the masterminds behind the scenes’, ‘Tung Gei absconded with the money’ and so on,” the social media post read.

“I once again clarify that I, Tung Gei, have not received any money, nor have I taken part in the JPEX harvesting incident, and I have no knowledge of it at all.

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“The worst thing I did in my life was to believe in this scam platform. I don’t have money left. I am a person with nothing.

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