Four Charged in Daylight HK Robbery of Japanese Yen

Summary: Hong Kong police charged three Japanese men and a mainland interpreter for a 51M yen heist. Victim was robbed outside an exchange shop. Four remanded in custody; two others released on bail.

Source: OT-Team(G), 南方都市报, 日テレNEWS NNN

Hong Kong police have formally charged four individuals with conspiracy to commit robbery following a brazen daylight heist in Sheung Wan last week, in which approximately 51 million Japanese yen (about HK$2.57 million) was stolen.

The case was first reported to police at 9:47 a.m. on January 30. A 51-year-old foreign male victim stated he was robbed of a backpack containing the cash by two men near a currency exchange shop on Des Voeux Road Central. The assailants, accompanied by a woman, then fled the scene in a vehicle.

Acting on investigation leads, officers arrested six individuals on the same day in operations at No. 1 Cheong Tian Road near the airport and on Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui.

According to subsequent statements from the Hong Kong Police Force's Public Relations Branch, the arrested persons included three foreign men (aged 23, 27, and 28), a 53-year-old mainland Chinese woman surnamed Li, a 29-year-old mainland Chinese man surnamed Ng, and a 28-year-old local man. They were arrested on suspicion of "conspiracy to commit robbery" and "handling stolen goods."

On February 2, police announced that three of the foreign men and the 53-year-old mainland woman had been charged with one count of "conspiracy to commit robbery." Their case was presented at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts that morning. The remaining two individuals have been released on bail and are required to report back to police in early March.

Japanese media, reporting on the court proceedings, identified the three foreign men as Japanese nationals. They were named as Keigo Shimomura and Masato Yamaguchi, who are alleged to have carried out the robbery, and Yusuke Suzuki, who is suspected of providing logistical information to the group while ostensibly assisting the victim with transporting the cash. The fourth defendant charged is the 53-year-old mainland Chinese woman, identified as an interpreter.

During the initial hearing, bail was denied for the four charged individuals. The court ordered them remanded in custody, with the next hearing scheduled for April 14. The case continues to be investigated by the Hong Kong Island Regional Crime Unit.

Shanghai Evening Snow Warning and Weekend Forecast

Summary: Cold front brings rain turning to evening snow, up to 3cm in suburbs. Rush hour impacts expected. Freezing weekend nights but sunny Sunday ahead.

By Ned Kelly

You've no doubt felt the plunge in temperature today, as well as the dreary rain. Well, the exciting news is that this dull drizzle is forecast to transform into something spectacular: snow.

A strong cold front moved in early this morning, bringing gusty winds, a sharp drop in temperatures, and a raw, damp chill.

But, by evening, the rain is expected to transition to wet snow. While urban areas may see just a light dusting, western and northern districts could receive 1 to 3 centimeters of accumulation.

Be advised: this snowfall is likely to coincide with the evening rush hour. Travel safely, brace for a longer commute than usual, and if you have an important trip, consider leaving earlier to account for the conditions.

The cold will persist over the weekend, with subzero temperatures overnight. On a brighter note, meteorological authorities are also forecasting a clear, sunny winter Sunday.

So stay warm, drive carefully, and enjoy the wintry shift in weather—and perhaps pencil in a crisp walk over the weekend to enjoy the snow-dusted scenery.

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New Why Airlines Weigh Passengers ： Safety, Not Shame

Summary: Air China's passenger weighing is a safety measure to update average weight data for accurate aircraft load calculations, following global aviation practices. This procedure, mandated by regulators, is anonymous and voluntary. Outdated weight assumptions have contributed to past accidents, highlighting its importance for flight safety.

This Chinese Airline is Weighing Passengers? Real Reason Behind...

A recent online post caused quite a stir in China after a traveler shared that Air China had asked passengers to step on a scale before boarding. Speculation flew: Was the airline introducing weight-based fares? Were they checking if someone had strapped luggage under their coat?

But the real reason is far more grounded — and rooted in safety.

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According to the text message sent by Air China to passengers:

"In accordance with the requirements of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), we need to periodically collect sample data on passenger weights. This is to help revise standard passenger weight averages and ensure aircraft load remains within safety limits. All measurements are anonymous and confidential."

The original poster also clarified: "Airport staff asked politely, and everyone weighed in voluntarily — plus, they even gave out small gifts." But that didn't stop social media from having fun with it.

Comments poured in:

"I weigh myself naked at home — not even a gram over! In these winter clothes, I easily gain 10 pounds!"

"They should say they're measuring gross weight, not 'body weight' — sounds less brutal."

"Airlines used to assume every adult weighs 75kg — maybe they're updating that standard."

Others added, "Makes sense — people are taller and heavier now. Obesity rates have risen."

And they're not wrong. Updating passenger weight standards is a global aviation practice — and the stakes are real.

This isn't the first time passenger weight data made headlines.

In 2003, a tragic accident involving Air Midwest Flight 5481 in the United States underscored just how critical accurate weight assumptions are. The small commuter aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Charlotte, North Carolina, killing all 21 people onboard.

What went wrong?

The investigation revealed that the plane was overloaded, in part because the airline had used outdated average passenger weight data — assumptions that hadn't been revised in over 20 years. At the time, U.S. airlines were estimating an average passenger weight of around 70kg (154 lbs), far below actual averages.

Combined with improperly accounted-for baggage and mechanical maintenance issues, this resulted in the plane being over its safe weight limit and out of balance — a fatal miscalculation.

This led to industry-wide changes in weight assumptions and stricter guidelines for weight distribution on smaller aircraft.

Airplanes don't just fly — they fly within limits. Load, balance, and fuel calculations are finely tuned to expected passenger and baggage weights. Relying on outdated or inaccurate data, especially as populations change, could compromise those calculations.

So, if you ever find yourself stepping on a scale at the gate — don't worry. It's not about judgment or turning airports into fitness checks. It's just another part of making sure everything (and everyone) gets off the ground smoothly.

And who knows? You might even walk away with a free keychain.

Source: Xiaohongshu

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New First-Time Applicant Secures 1-Year China Business Visa

Summary: A recent graduate with no prior visa history successfully obtained a one-year, multiple-entry business visa for China. Key steps included refining the invitation letter, systematically preparing documents, and providing full-process guidance to overcome the challenge of a first-time, long-term application.

Success Case | One-Year Multiple-Entry Business Visa for a First-Time Applicant

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Applicant Background

The client was a recent graduate from a university in the Philippines. While he had no prior history of business visa applications, he possessed relevant project experience and practical skills matching the requirements of the target position.

Application Challenges

Due to business needs, the applicant's employer sought a one-year multiple-entry business visa to China for him. However, the applicant lacked any previous visa application experience, making the approval for a long-term, multiple-entry category on the first attempt particularly challenging.

Highlights of Our Service Process  

Precision in Invitation Letter Preparation: We assisted the client in refining the business invitation letter from the Chinese host company, clearly detailing the purpose of the visit, itinerary, and the bilateral cooperation context, thereby emphasizing the necessity and legitimacy of the visa requirement.  

Documentation Systemization and Guidance: Tailored to the applicant's profile, we systematically organized and guided the preparation of supporting documents, including academic credentials, proof of work experience, and employment verification, to build a robust supporting case.  

End-to-End Coordination: We provided comprehensive professional guidance throughout the entire process—from appointment scheduling and document review to progress follow-up—ensuring smooth transitions between each step and efficient advancement.

Result

Despite a tight schedule, we successfully assisted the client in obtaining the one-year multiple-entry business visa to China before the company's required deadline. We also ensured his timely entry to commence work as planned.

If you have similar needs, simply click, long-press the photo, scan the QR code, and contact us!

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