Hong Kong Customs seizes 453 kg of gold and silver hidden in cleaning machines

Hong Kong Customs officials have intercepted a massive smuggling attempt involving 168 kg of gold and 285 kg of silver, valued at approximately 230 million HKD. The precious metals were sophisticatedly concealed within more than 4,600 multi-functional and UV cleaning machines.

During an inspection of 138 air cargo boxes at Hong Kong International Airport, X-ray scans revealed structural abnormalities in the devices. Upon closer examination, authorities discovered metal sheets attached to the bases of the cleaning machines containing layers of gold and silver leaf. This incident marks the largest seizure of precious metals in the history of Hong Kong Customs.

The cleaning machines were manufactured in China and were destined for Japan. The shipment was sent by a suspected shell company with no registered presence in Hong Kong or online footprint. The recipients in Japan are reportedly involved in the sports equipment and e-commerce logistics sectors. Authorities believe the smugglers split the cargo into two separate shipments to minimize the risk of detection.