Hong Kong police have arrested 12 people linked to a fraud syndicate selling fake tickets to major concerts, including performances by G-Dragon and Jay Chou, amid fervour for live shows sparked by the opening of Kai Tak Sports Park.
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Eight men and four women, aged between 18 and 48, were arrested this week for allegedly conspiring to defraud and launder money. The group is connected to seven fraud cases that occurred between June 1 and 13, involving HK$110,000 (US$14,100) in losses. They have been released on bail.
Chief Inspector Wong Yuk-yan, of New Territories North regional headquarters, said the suspects were either unemployed or worked as warehouse workers, construction site labourers and waiters, with some having triad backgrounds.
“Since the opening of the Kai Tak Sports Park, whenever there is a popular artist holding a concert there, the tickets are so sought after that it has become difficult to even get one,” she said.
“The fraudsters have taken advantage of this sentiment and sold fake concert tickets online. The victims happily take their tickets, intending to watch their idols’ performance, only to be told at the entrance that their passes are fake and they cannot be allowed entry.”
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The tickets involved concerts by Taiwanese singer Jay Chou and “king of K-pop” G-Dragon.
