Hong Kong police arrest 25 people for illegally withdrawing MPF funds worth HK$5.7 million

The suspects – 18 men and seven women – came from a variety of occupations, including construction workers, clerks and salespeople. According to police, they were accused of receiving benefits ranging from HK$2,000 to HK$600,000 between late 2022 and early 2024.

Inspector Lam Ying-pan of the Wong Tai Sin District Criminal Investigation Department said on Monday that police had been informed of the cases by authorised MPF agencies that had noticed the suspicious activities.

Lam said that in some cases, MPF contributors had submitted false declarations purporting to be issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs as part of their applications for early withdrawal of their funds, claiming that they had plans to leave Hong Kong permanently.

“In addition, some applicants submitted fake medical certificates stating that they were completely incapable of managing their own affairs,” he said. “Their intention was to withdraw their MPF contributions earlier than permitted.”

After gathering evidence, police arrested the 25 residents in a series of raids across the city between Tuesday and Friday last week.

The suspects were arrested on suspicion of fraud and forgery – crimes punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

During the arrest operation codenamed “Solelamp,” officers seized relevant MPF and bank documents.

According to the inspector, police investigations revealed that some of the suspects had received calls or text messages from shady middlemen claiming they could help MPF contributors make early withdrawals.

“Once the applicants successfully withdrew their funds, these middlemen or intermediaries demanded a commission of between 10 and 50 percent of the amount in question,” Lam said.

He said investigations into these middlemen were still ongoing, but further arrests could not be ruled out.

According to police, some of the suspects were asked by the middlemen to disclose personal information, sign documents and even undergo a facial recognition process on a mobile app to open a virtual bank account.

Lam warned that middlemen could steal money from these accounts after the early withdrawal of MPF savings was approved and the money was transferred to the accounts.

Chief Inspector Chow Chun-pong urged residents to be vigilant when receiving calls or messages from unknown sources and not to disclose personal information to unknown third parties.

“Before signing any documents, it is crucial to fully understand the contents and details of the document and avoid signing on blank or incomplete forms,” Chow warned.

Police said all 25 suspects had been released on bail pending the outcome of the investigation.

Under the city's compulsory pension fund, participants can only withdraw their MPF savings from the age of 65. They can apply for early withdrawal in the event of permanent emigration from Hong Kong, total incapacity, terminal illness or on behalf of a deceased family member.