Hong Kong Police Arrest Eight in HK$6.2M ‘Sugar Baby’ Scam Case
Hong Kong police arrested eight people in an alleged compensated-dating scam involving about HK$6.2 million in losses. Investigators say victims were promised wealthy clients, then charged escalating legal and contract fees before any meeting took place.
Hong Kong police say an organized group used the promise of highly paid compensated-dating arrangements to convince victims that legal and contract fees had to be paid before they could meet a wealthy client. The investigation covers 80 reported cases between February 2024 and July 2026, with combined alleged losses of about HK$6.2 million (roughly US$790,000). Four men and four women, aged 23 to 57, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and, in one case, possession of dangerous drugs.
Advertisements on social media offered would-be “sugar babies” monthly payments of HK$50,000 to HK$70,000. Victims included teachers and healthcare workers, showing that the scheme was not limited to one age or occupation. After a victim responded, scammers allegedly introduced fake wealthy clients and supposed lawyers in a group chat, displayed forged business cards, and required non-disclosure agreements to make the arrangement look formal. The bogus legal or contract charges escalated over time. Police said the largest individual reported loss was about HK$480,000.
The paperwork was part of the alleged deception, not protection from it. Group chats, fake lawyers and professional-looking documents gave the scheme borrowed credibility while a large promised allowance kept victims focused on the next payment. Advance fees to people chosen by a prospective date remain a clear warning sign. The arrests and loss figures are police allegations at this stage. The report does not establish guilt, and it does not provide a final count of victims or recovered funds.