Hong Kong police freeze nearly US$29 million in JPEX assets, renewing concerns about digital asset fraud. Key figures arrested, investigations underway.
The resurgence of the JPEX case in Hong Kong has caused significant upheaval within the cryptocurrency community.
Authorities have frozen assets valued at over $29 million associated with the defunct exchange following months of silence.
Allegations against prominent individuals and ongoing inquiries rekindle apprehensions regarding fraudulent activities within digital assets.
JPEX Crypto Exchange Assets Frozen in Hong Kong Over Alleged Fraud
Hong Kong police officials have taken significant action by declaring the suspension of assets exceeding US$29 million associated with the defunct cryptocurrency exchange JPEX, which occurred in September.
The newest round of arrests, which includes Chang Tung-Ying, the chief partner, and Shi Yu, an educator linked with JPEX Exchange, brings the total number of arrests to 72.
Unexpectedly, testimony from Taiwanese vocalist Nine Chen, previously linked to JPEX, has been requested as part of ongoing investigations.
User repercussions have resulted from JPEX Exchange’s continued imposition of exorbitant withdrawal fees for virtual assets, notwithstanding the accumulation of allegations against the exchange.
Impact of JPEX Collapse on Victims and Anti-Scam Measures in Hong Kong
Police Commissioner Raymond Siu disclosed that the collapse of JPEX has resulted in widespread destruction, with an estimated US$206 million lost by over 2,600 individuals.
Alerts appear in public areas and even on mobile networks such as China Mobile HK due to the incident, which has prompted pervasive warnings against fraudulent schemes throughout Hong Kong.
This case exemplifies the urgent matter of cryptocurrency fraud in Asia, as official sources indicate that Singapore suffered a substantial loss of US$479 million to schemes in 2023.
However, this amount is marginally lower than the US$660.7 million lost last year.
As investigations into JPEX continue, authorities are working hard to determine the entire scope of the alleged fraud and ensure that those guilty face the repercussions of their conduct.