Hong Kong police have arrested five individuals and recovered nearly HK$100 million worth of stolen gold bars following a suspected deception case linked to a staged commercial transaction.

The incident unfolded at a commercial office in Hung Hom, where a staff member from a gold business was conducting a handover of bullion to a purported buyer.

Authorities said the buyer was in fact working with accomplices, who seized the gold during the exchange and fled the scene.

The haul, comprising approximately 73 kilograms of gold bars valued at about HK$93 million, was taken in the afternoon operation.

Police launched a rapid investigation, leading to the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of the full shipment within a short period.

Investigators believe the case involved careful planning, with the suspects exploiting the trust inherent in high-value transactions.

The operation was classified as a deception case rather than a traditional armed robbery, reflecting the method used to gain control of the assets.

Authorities highlighted the speed and coordination of the response, which enabled the recovery of the entire amount and prevented the gold from being dispersed or sold.

Officers also indicated that further arrests could follow as the investigation continues into the wider network involved.

The case has drawn attention to the risks associated with private high-value commodity deals, particularly those conducted outside secure or regulated environments.

Police have urged businesses handling precious metals to adopt enhanced security measures and verify counterparties thoroughly during transactions.

The successful recovery underscores the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts in safeguarding commercial activity and maintaining confidence in Hong Kong’s trading environment.