Hong Kong Police Disrupt HK$16.8 Million Phishing Syndicate

• •15 individuals arrested in a joint operation against a phishing syndicate.
• •Scammers impersonated the Water Supplies Department to exploit public trust.
• •Phishing scams in Hong Kong surged by 83.5% in early 2026.

Hong Kong and mainland Chinese authorities have dismantled a cross-border phishing syndicate that defrauded victims of HK$16.8 million (US$2.14 million) by impersonating the Water Supplies Department. The operation, named Operation Boldhawk, led to the arrest of 15 individuals between March and June 2026. Scammers targeted residents through malicious text messages, exploiting their trust in government services. In the first five months of 2026, Hong Kong police reported 1,009 phishing scams, an 83.5% increase from the previous year, with 841 cases linked to fake payments from the Water Supplies Department. One victim, a 71-year-old, lost over HK$310,000 after entering credit card details on a fraudulent site. Victims ranged from ages 17 to 86, indicating that anyone can fall prey to such scams. Authorities emphasize the need for public vigilance against these threats.