Hong Kong customs arrested two local men on Wednesday on suspicion of money laundering involving approximately HK$35 million ($4.4 million), following a probe into a drug-related case from last year.

The case dates back to August 2025, when customs uncovered a dangerous drugs case worth about HK$8.3 million and arrested a 33-year-old man in connection with the offense.

Subsequent scrutiny of financial records and fund flows revealed a series of suspicious transactions, roughly HK$35 million, channeled through the personal bank accounts of the arrested individual and another 33-year-old man between January 2024 and August 2025. Authorities suspect the funds were crime proceeds.

ALSO READ: HK customs busts suspected smuggled electronic chips worth over HK$6m

Customs officers moved in on Wednesday and apprehended both men on charges of "dealing with property known or reasonably believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offense" under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance (OSCO).

Investigations are ongoing, and the Customs and Excise Department has not ruled out the possibility of further arrests.

Under the OSCO, offenders found guilty of money laundering face a maximum fine of HK$5 million and up to 14 years' imprisonment, with the proceeds of crime also subject to confiscation.