Financial Crime Investigation in Hong Kong

Recovery of Stolen Funds Wired to Hong Kong

Cyber fraud and online banking scams are increasing globally, and many international victims discover that stolen funds have been transferred into Hong Kong bank accounts.

Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading financial and trading centres. Because of its international banking connectivity, it is frequently targeted and exploited by criminal networks who attempt to move stolen funds through accounts in Hong Kong before the money disappears.

Digitpol is a Cyber Crime Investigation company based in Hong Kong, providing rapid response investigative and forensic support to international firms that have fallen victim to Business Email Compromise (BEC), invoice fraud, CEO fraud, email spoofing and banking scams, where funds have been wired to Hong Kong.

When stolen funds are transferred to Hong Kong, immediate action is critical. In many cases, the money can be withdrawn or transferred onward within hours. Digitpol assists foreign companies by acting locally in Hong Kong on their behalf. Our investigators work closely with banking institutions and the relevant authorities, supporting victims with the evidence and investigative expertise required to move quickly.

Digitpol also works with an experienced partner law firm in Hong Kong, specialising in civil recovery and seizure actions in Hong Kong and mainland China. The combination of investigative support and legal services provides international victims with a stronger opportunity to secure funds before they are moved.

Civil Freezing and Seizure Orders in Hong Kong

In addition to criminal reporting, victims may be able to take urgent civil legal action in Hong Kong. Where appropriate, Digitpol’s partner law firm can apply to the Hong Kong Courts for emergency civil orders, including freezing and seizure orders against bank accounts suspected of receiving stolen funds.

These civil court applications can be essential in time-sensitive fraud cases, as they may allow rapid intervention to prevent funds from being transferred or withdrawn while investigations are ongoing. Civil action is often a key step in protecting assets when funds are located in Hong Kong banking systems.

Why Evidence Matters

Before the Hong Kong Police can take action, they must be satisfied that a crime has been committed. This requires evidence that clearly demonstrates:

  • how the fraud took place

  • who controlled the communication

  • where the funds were transferred

  • supporting documentation and digital proof

In most internet fraud cases, the primary evidence is digital forensic evidence.

Digitpol assists victims by examining and compiling key evidence, including:

  • email trails and header analysis

  • spoofed email identification

  • compromised account analysis

  • server logs and digital data

  • banking transfer documentation

  • computer forensic evidence where required

Digitpol can prepare a professional forensic report and present the findings to the relevant authorities. When required, our legal partner can take civil recovery action in parallel.

What is Email Fraud and Invoice Fraud?

Email fraud typically occurs when cyber criminals gain access to a company email account or email server. Criminals often target small and medium-sized businesses, especially those conducting business internationally or trading with Asia.

Once access is obtained, criminals search through email communications looking for:

  • unpaid invoices

  • purchase orders

  • supplier payment arrangements

  • bank transfer instructions

  • internal payment approval workflows

When a due payment is identified, criminals impersonate the supplier, employee, or executive and send fraudulent payment instructions. This often includes a believable explanation, such as:

  • “Our bank account has changed”

  • “There is a problem with our bank”

  • “Please pay this invoice to an alternative account”

The payment is then transferred into a criminal-controlled account, commonly based in Hong Kong.

How Digitpol Can Help

Digitpol provides operational, investigative and forensic support for victims of cyber-enabled fraud involving Hong Kong.

Our Cyber and Fraud Team includes certified fraud investigators and forensic examiners with experience handling:

  • Business Email Compromise (BEC)

  • invoice fraud and supplier fraud

  • CEO fraud and impersonation scams

  • email spoofing and spear phishing

  • hacking and account compromise

  • banking scams and online fraud

  • digital forensic investigations

Digitpol can investigate how the compromise occurred, determine whether criminals still have access to systems, and help ensure the victim’s network and accounts are secure to prevent further losses.

Rapid Response Matters

In fraud cases involving Hong Kong bank transfers, the first hours are critical. Fast action, proper evidence, and professional local support can significantly improve the chances of freezing funds and pursuing recovery.

If you are a victim of cyber fraud and believe funds have been transferred to Hong Kong, Digitpol can assist with urgent investigative support and coordination with our legal recovery partner.

Request Assistance

Insights