Two men have been arrested after gold worth about HK$30 million (RM15 million) was allegedly stolen from a hotel room in Hong Kong and replaced with eight bottles of fabric softener, according to The Standard.
The theft was reported recently by a Chinese national, who told police that 30kg of gold powder stored in his luggage had been replaced with bottles of fabric softener of almost the same weight.
His travel companion, who was staying in the same hotel room, also reported missing belongings.
After reviewing the hotel’s closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, police arrested one suspect in Tai Po.
Authorities later found a guesthouse key card on the suspect, which led them to recover all the stolen gold.
A second suspect was arrested at the Lo Wu Control Point while attempting to leave Hong Kong.
Kwun Tong District Crime Squad Chief Inspector Tang Tsz-hin said the theft was believed to have been carefully planned and orchestrated by the victim’s own travel companion.
The individual allegedly instructed two accomplices to purchase fabric softener and rent a room next to the victim’s hotel room.
“The exchange was carried out while the victim went out to smoke. His companion allegedly opened the room door and allowed them to enter and replace the gold with the bottles,” police said.
The two suspects, aged 27 and 41, remain in custody as investigations continue.
