Guo Yonghong
Kwok Wing-hung, originally from Fuzhou, Fujian, is a former leader of the Hong Kong triad society "Wo Shing Wo", and is nicknamed "Shanghai Boy".[1] In early March 2012, he became embroiled in the 2012 Chief Executive election campaign after media exposed that he had attended a dinner with members of Leung Chun-ying’s campaign team and rural committee election representatives. This event raised concerns in Hong Kong society about potential "black gold politics" (collusion between underworld figures and politics).
On November 22, 2020, after being on the run for over two and a half years, "Shanghai Boy" suddenly returned to Hong Kong. Although he was arrested by police, he was granted bail, while political prisoners related to the 47 Democrats case remained in custody, causing public outrage. Some commentators believe he was recruited by the Chinese Communist Party's national security office and now serves their interests, similar to Macau triad leader Wan Kuok-koi, who is believed to have performed special operations for the CCP. It is said Wan merely used the "Hung Mun" system as a façade for profit, with his influence long dissipated or absorbed by rival factions.
Background
According to Apple Daily reports,[2] in the early 1990s, Kwok already held a high position in the criminal underworld, involved in murder and robbery. He made his first fortune by selling pirated VCDs, operating over ten thousand stalls across Hong Kong.[2] He also frequented mahjong parlours, where he met a senior female figure from Macau. By impressing her with his skills in bed, he gained the opportunity to open casinos in Macau. The late tycoon Lim Por-yen’s wife, Yu Po-chu, was one of his godmothers, and because of this, he claimed Lam Kin-ngok (Peter Lam) as his godbrother.[2] Peter Lam later confirmed this through his spokesperson.[3]
After stepping down as triad boss—possibly due to being "recruited" by Beijing—Kwok became more low-profile regarding underworld matters. Starting in 2000, he reinvented himself as a businessman, investing in hotels, resorts, and golf courses in mainland China. He also engaged in illegal businesses such as nightclubs, massage parlours, and underground casinos.
In an interview with *Ming Pao*, Kwok claimed that as early as the 1970s, he had connections with rural gentry in the New Territories, assisting developers in acquiring land.[1] This gave him considerable influence in Yuen Long’s rural communities. It is said he helped pro-establishment candidates win many votes during the 2011 District Council elections.[1] He also presented photos of himself with Rural Committee Chairman Lau Wong-fat and Vice Chairmen Lam Wai-keung and Cheung Hok-ming as evidence.[1] Kwok stated that out of respect for Lau Wong-fat, he donated more than HK$8 million in early 2011 to assist in building the New Territories Heung Yee Kuk Building.[1]
Kwok is a target of the Hong Kong Police Organized Crime and Triad Bureau. In August 2012, police suspected him of laundering criminal proceeds through bank accounts amounting to several hundred billion Hong Kong dollars. He was arrested but later released on bail pending investigation. He is also under investigation for involvement in other serious crimes, including intimidation, extortion of Hong Kong and Macau tycoons, drug trafficking, and murder.
Involvement in the 2012 Chief Executive Election
In Popular Culture
Some characters in TV dramas and films are based on or inspired by Kwok Wing-hung:
- In the 2014 Hong Kong film Overheard 3, actor Alex Fong's character Luk Wing-fu is modeled after Kwok Wing-hung.
- In the 2017 Hong Kong TV drama Bet Hur, actor Wong Wai-tong's character Brother Tai Sing is modeled after Kwok Wing-hung.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Ming Pao: Rural representatives deny acquaintance – Shanghai Boy: “If they say they don’t know me, then so be it” , March 11, 2012
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Apple Daily: Rumors suggest Shanghai Boy's girlfriend has powerful background, March 9, 2012
- ↑ Apple Daily: Shanghai Boy attempts to join high society , March 15, 2012