Hong Kong Teens Arrested Due to Illegal Debt Collection in Sha Tin

Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 19 were arrested in Hong Kong for alleged involvement in loansharking activities, the South China Morning Post reported, citing local police, on April 18. Twelve young people were apprehended for engaging in illegal debt collection during police operation on Siu Lik Yuen Road in Sha Tin district.

According to authorities, criminal syndicates took advantage of the coronavirus-related school break in the region to entice these young people into illegal debt collection. The syndicate promotes quick cash earning scheme online and on social media, offering them about HK$1,000. These individuals were asked to help chase debtors through harassment or by splashing the debtors doors’ with red paint and installing loan notice banners outside their homes.

The suspects will face charges for "conspiracy to criminal damage" and "possessing anything with intent to destroy or damage property."

Acting chief inspector Lam Nga-sze said many of these young people probably need more enlightenment about the culpability in committing the offence. Under the Crimes Ordinance, criminal damage offenders could be convicted to 10 years of imprisonment.