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Hong Kong Charges 16 in $205 Million JPEX Crypto Fraud Investigation

Key Takeaways

  • ​Sixteen people, including influencer Joseph Lam, face charges in Hong Kong over a $205 million crypto fraud linked to the unlicensed JPEX platform;
  • Police said 2,700 investors lost money through JPEX, which used social media and retail crypto shops to collect funds illegally;
  • Over 80 arrests have been made, $28 million seized, and Interpol alerts issued for three suspects still wanted in the JPEX investigation.

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Hong Kong Charges 16 in $205 Million JPEX Crypto Fraud Investigation

Authorities in Hong Kong have filed charges against sixteen individuals, including Joseph Lam Chok, a former lawyer who later became an online influencer.

The group was accused of involvement in a cryptocurrency-related case involving over $205 million USD (HK$1.6 billion) linked to the JPEX platform.

The allegations include fraud, conspiracy to defraud, and breaching money laundering laws. These charges follow a lengthy investigation into JPEX's operations, which functioned as a crypto exchange without a valid local license.

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According to police, over 2,700 people invested in JPEX. Many of these investors were drawn in through social media promotions and storefront-style crypto shops that helped channel funds into the platform.

Joseph Lam was arrested in September 2023 after promoting the platform online. His arrest occurred after the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) issued a public notice warning that JPEX was not registered and may be misleading users.

Since the investigation began, police have arrested more than 80 people believed to be connected to JPEX’s operations. In the process, they also seized around $28 million (HK$228 million) in assets, including cash and other valuables.

Despite the arrests, authorities said three individuals believed to have played roles in the case remain at large. Interpol notices have been issued for them, which request international law enforcement assistance to locate and detain them.

On October 16, five individuals were arrested by London’s Metropolitan Police in connection with a suspected cryptocurrency scam. How did the case unfold? Read the full story.

Aaron S. Editor-In-Chief
Having completed a Master’s degree in Economics, Politics, and Cultures of the East Asia region, Aaron has written scientific papers analyzing the differences between Western and Collective forms of capitalism in the post-World War II era.
With close to a decade of experience in the FinTech industry, Aaron understands all of the biggest issues and struggles that crypto enthusiasts face. He’s a passionate analyst who is concerned with data-driven and fact-based content, as well as that which speaks to both Web3 natives and industry newcomers.
Aaron is the go-to person for everything and anything related to digital currencies. With a huge passion for blockchain & Web3 education, Aaron strives to transform the space as we know it, and make it more approachable to complete beginners.
Aaron has been quoted by multiple established outlets, and is a published author himself. Even during his free time, he enjoys researching the market trends, and looking for the next supernova.

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