The trial of the former husband of Hong Kong socialite and influencer Abby Choi, along with his brother and father, is set to begin three years after her disappearance and alleged murder shocked Hong Kong and attracted international attention.
Choi, a mother of four who moved comfortably between Hong Kong’s fashion, entertainment and business circles, was reported missing on 21 February 2023.
Three days later, police discovered human remains believed to be hers at a village house in Tai Po, a rural district far removed from the luxury lifestyle associated with the 28-year-old socialite.
Police also recovered a meat slicer, an electric saw and clothing from the property. Investigators later extended their search to a landfill, where officers wearing protective clothing sifted through piles of rubbish in an effort to recover further evidence.
Choi’s former husband, Alex Kwong, his brother, Anthony Kwong, and their father, Kwong Kau, a former police officer, were arrested following the discovery. The three men are due to stand trial in proceedings expected to last at least 45 days.
Unlike mainland China, Hong Kong operates under a common-law legal system, meaning a jury will determine whether the defendants are guilty of murder and preventing the lawful burial of a body. Murder carries a mandatory life sentence in Hong Kong upon conviction.
The initial hearings are scheduled to begin on Monday, although prosecution opening statements are not expected until later in the week.
The case has taken considerably longer than the usual period between an alleged offence and trial. Prosecutors previously told the court that the extensive DNA testing required by forensic scientists contributed to the delay.
The trial is also expected to provide previously undisclosed details about the circumstances surrounding Choi’s death, including the prosecution’s account of what may have motivated the alleged killing.
It remains unclear whether any of the defendants will testify or exercise their right to remain silent when the defence presents its case.
At the conclusion of the proceedings, the judge will give directions to the jury before jurors are separated from the outside world to deliberate on their verdict.
Their electronic devices will be taken from them, and they will be required to deliberate privately. Unlike in many jurisdictions in the United States, jury deliberations in Hong Kong must remain confidential.
Choi’s death generated widespread shock in Hong Kong, where homicides are relatively uncommon. Her disappearance and the subsequent discovery of her remains also attracted international media attention.
At her funeral in 2023, attended by hundreds of relatives, friends and celebrities, Choi was remembered as a “great and kind-hearted” friend.
A prominent figure on social media, Choi was known for her interest in fashion and regularly shared photographs featuring luxury brands and international destinations, including London, Paris and Shanghai.
Shortly before her disappearance, she had attended the Elie Saab Spring/Summer 2023 Haute Couture show, visited Paris Fashion Week and appeared as the digital cover model of L’Officiel Monaco.
Beyond fashion and social events, Choi was also involved in animal welfare. Friends said she had co-founded a charity with other volunteers dedicated to rescuing injured cats and dogs.
The forthcoming trial is expected to shed further light on the circumstances surrounding the death of the socialite whose life in Hong Kong’s glamorous fashion and business circles ended in a case that has continued to captivate public attention.
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