Hong Kong celebrity ashes thefts spark security concerns

A series of sophisticated thefts targeting the cremated remains of famous celebrities has sparked security concerns in Hong Kong. The most recent high-profile case involves the late singer and actress Mai Diễm Phương, whose ashes disappeared from the Hai Hui Tower at Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island. The theft was discovered in July 2025 when fans noticed loosened screws on the memorial plaque.

Investigators believe the perpetrators are professionals who carefully restore crime scenes to avoid detection. There are concerns that the thieves may be using the remains as leverage to demand ransoms reaching tens of millions of HKD.

Other notable victims of recent thefts at private columbariums include martial arts director Lau Kar-leung and film producer Heung Wah Sang. The wave of incidents has prompted calls for increased security at memorial sites, especially as some facilities reported security camera failures during the suspected times of the crimes.