Mastermind behind HK$6.57 million robbery in Hong Kong found dead in jail cell hours before sentencing

High Court Judge Douglas Yau Tak-hong learned of Arshad’s suicide from the prosecution on Monday and decided to carry on sentencing co-defendant Gurung Royal, 24.

Arshad had earlier pleaded not guilty to planning the robbery of the jewellery store in Hung Hom on September 21, 2018. Four men snatched two rucksacks containing US$740,000 and HK$363,060 in cash, as well as five crossed cheques totalling US$54,613, at the junction of Hok Yuen Street East and Hung Hom Road. Two workers were slashed on the legs during the hold-up.

Arshad was found guilty of robbery and wounding with intent. The department said he had been remanded in custody since March 2021.

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Yau said Royal was complicit in the robbery involving Arshad and at least three other men. He added that Royal and Arshad each used a 10-inch knife to slash the store workers.

“Fortunately, some pedestrians had witnessed the offence and no tragedy occurred,” he said, noting that the injured victims recovered from their wounds and suffered no permanent disability.

In sentencing Royal, Yau took a starting point of 13 years for the robbery charge and eight years for wounding. He ordered Royal to serve the time concurrently.

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He also made the order to complete the proceeding by delivering Arshad’s sentence on March 27 when his death certificate would be issued.