Influencer Abby Choi, 28, Was Dismembered ‘by Ex-Husband and His Family’ in Feud Over Luxury Apartment Sale: Prosecutor

In a deeply disturbing case that has captured public attention in Hong Kong, influencer and model Abby Choi was reported missing on 21 February 2023. Just three days later, parts of her remains were discovered in a rental property located in the Tai Po area of the city. The grim findings included dismembered legs found inside a refrigerator, while a cooking pot contained a skull, ribs, and hair, as described by law enforcement.

Choi’s ex-husband, Alex Kwong, his brother Anthony Kwong, and their father, Kwong Kau, are now facing trial at Hong Kong’s High Court, charged with her murder. All defendants have pleaded not guilty, contesting the accusations made against them. The trial commenced with a compelling prosecution argument that suggested personal and financial motivations behind the alleged crime.

Prosecutors outlined a financial dispute surrounding a luxury apartment valued at approximately £6.2 million (USD 7.6 million) as a possible motive for the murder. The apartment, registered in Kwong Kau’s name, was gifted to him by Choi in a bid to save on tax obligations. This arrangement ceased to be amicable when Choi sought to sell the property in 2022, a decision that her ex-father-in-law initially resisted, leading to tensions within the family.

Charlotte Draycott, the prosecuting attorney, asserted that following disagreements about the sale, Kwong Kau concocted a plan to eliminate Choi with the assistance of his sons. “We say the three of them decided they would do it together,” Draycott argued, highlighting the severity of the familial discord. This allegation places the Kwong family dynamics under intense scrutiny as the trial unfolds.

Choi, a rising star in the social media world, had over 140,000 followers on Instagram, where she frequently shared snippets of her life, including her work at fashion events and her family. Following her divorce from Alex Kwong, with whom she shares two children, reports suggest that Choi maintained cordial relations with the family, further complicating the narrative of betrayal that has emerged.

In a twist to the case, both Alex and Anthony Kwong have admitted guilt to charges related to the prevention of Choi’s lawful burial, although they continue to deny the murder allegations. This aspect of the case adds to the complexity of the trial as it opens questions surrounding the family’s actions post-mortem.

The financial context of the Kwong family has also been a focal point during the trial. Prosecutors have pointed out that, unlike Choi, who was known for her affluent lifestyle and connections in the construction sector, the Kwong family did not share the same financial status. Draycott remarked, “I mention the money because it was, as we understand it, the root of what happened,” framing the financial backdrop against which this tragedy unfolded.

As the trial progresses, it is expected to last around 40 days and involve a nine-person jury. The courtroom proceedings are likely to shed light on the darker aspects of familial relationships intertwined with issues of wealth and power. Although the High Court in Hong Kong refrained from commenting on the case amidst ongoing proceedings, the public remains riveted by the shocking details that have emerged so far.

The next hearing is set for 2 October, with all eyes in the region on the outcome of what has become one of Hong Kong’s most talked-about criminal cases in recent times.