Hong Kong, mainland police smash HK$16.8 million cross-border phishing syndicate

Hong Kong police and mainland authorities have dismantled a cross-border phishing syndicate that defrauded victims of HK$16.8 million (US$2.14 million). Between March and June, 15 arrests were made as part of a joint operation codenamed "Operation Boldhawk." The syndicate targeted Hong Kong residents by sending malicious text messages that impersonated the Water Supplies Department. According to Superintendent Hui Yee-wai of the police cyber security and technology crime bureau, scammers exploited residents' trust in government departments and their need for essential services to facilitate their fraudulent activities.