A mobile store owner from Maharashtra's Thane district who lost Rs 36 lakh (US$43,953)&nbsp;in a cryptocurrency fraud more than a year ago has recovered all of his money after the police solved the case and found that&nbsp;a Chinese national was responsible for the wrongdoing.

The investigation in the case was conducted by the Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar (MBVV) police commissionerate's cyber cell, reported PTI.

As per&nbsp;Sujitkumar Gunjkar, senior inspector of the MBVV cyber cell, the victim was lured&nbsp;into cryptocurrency trading in February 2022 after he joined a WhatsApp group for cryptocurrency dealers.

The group administrator, a woman, contacted him and sought investment&nbsp;in a cryptocurrency that promised lucrative returns.

“Falling prey to the tactics, the victim invested the money through a mobile app and bought cryptocurrency worth $39,596,” Gunjkar&nbsp;told PTI.&nbsp;

The WhatsApp group was shut down in May of last year, and the official said that despite several attempts, he was unable to get in touch with the group administrator.&nbsp;

“The victim then realised that he has been cheated. After that, he approached the cyber police and lodged a complaint. A probe was launched and worked on various leads. During the process, the police came across OKX, a Seychelles-registered cryptocurrency exchange,” Gunjkar said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-sec-goes-after-coinbase-just-one-day-after-suing-binance-601474">US SEC goes after crypto exchange Coinbase, just one day after suing Binance</a>

<h2>How did the cops solve the case?</h2>

The cops discovered a suspicious bitcoin wallet while conducting their investigation. The wallet belonged to a Chinese citizen, the police learned after speaking with OKX, the senior inspector added. A cryptocurrency wallet, which can be hardware or software and come in many forms and sizes, allows users to store and access digital money.

A case under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 420 (cheating) and 34 (common intention) was redistered at the Kashimira police station as a&nbsp;result of the complaint and inquiry, the officer said. After gathering information about the offence and its implications, the cyber cell went to the local court. They informed the court that the victim's money was in the Chinese national's wallet and that the victim had been contacted by Hong Kong-based numbers, he said.

Also watch |&nbsp;US regulators crackdown on cryptocurrency exchanges

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The court directed that the Rs 36 lakh (US$43,953)&nbsp;in cryptocurrencies be restored to the complainant after reviewing the arguments presented by the cyber cell. The money was thus found and returned to the victim a few days ago.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
 
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A mobile store owner from Maharashtra's Thane district who lost Rs 36 lakh (US$43,953) in a cryptocurrency fraud more than a year ago has recovered all of his money after the police solved the case and found that a Chinese national was responsible for the wrongdoing.

A mobile store owner from Maharashtra's Thane district who lost Rs 36 lakh (US$43,953) in a cryptocurrency fraud more than a year ago has recovered all of his money after the police solved the case and found that a Chinese national was responsible for the wrongdoing. The investigation in the case was conducted by the Mira Bhayandar-Vasai Virar (MBVV) police commissionerate's cyber cell, reported PTI. As per Sujitkumar Gunjkar, senior inspector of the MBVV cyber cell, the victim was lured into cryptocurrency trading in February 2022 after he joined a WhatsApp group for cryptocurrency dealers. The group administrator, a woman, contacted him and sought investment in a cryptocurrency that promised lucrative returns. “Falling prey to the tactics, the victim invested the money through a mobile app and bought cryptocurrency worth $39,596,” Gunjkar told PTI. The WhatsApp group was shut down in May of last year, and the official said that despite several attempts, he was unable to get in touch with the group administrator. “The victim then realised that he has been cheated. After that, he approached the cyber police and lodged a complaint. A probe was launched and worked on various leads. During the process, the police came across OKX, a Seychelles-registered cryptocurrency exchange,” Gunjkar said. Also read | US SEC goes after crypto exchange Coinbase, just one day after suing Binance How did the cops solve the case? The cops discovered a suspicious bitcoin wallet while conducting their investigation. The wallet belonged to a Chinese citizen, the police learned after speaking with OKX, the senior inspector added. A cryptocurrency wallet, which can be hardware or software and come in many forms and sizes, allows users to store and access digital money. A case under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 420 (cheating) and 34 (common intention) was redistered at the Kashimira police station as a result of the complaint and inquiry, the officer said. After gathering information about the offence and its implications, the cyber cell went to the local court. They informed the court that the victim's money was in the Chinese national's wallet and that the victim had been contacted by Hong Kong-based numbers, he said. Also watch | US regulators crackdown on cryptocurrency exchanges The court directed that the Rs 36 lakh (US$43,953) in cryptocurrencies be restored to the complainant after reviewing the arguments presented by the cyber cell. The money was thus found and returned to the victim a few days ago. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Case cracked: Man gets back $43K (Rs 36 lakh) lost in crypto fraud. Here’s how

On Monday, the Hong Kong government in a strongly worded statement criticised and demanded an investigation after a popular democracy protest song was played instead of the Chinese national anthem at a rugby seven seas tournament game that the city was a part of in South Korea.&nbsp;

In a statement, the city’s government said that it “strongly deplores and opposes the playing of a song closely associated with violent protests and the 'independence' movement”, in place of China's national anthem. It added, “The National Anthem is a symbol of our country. The organiser of the tournament has a duty to ensure that the National Anthem receives the respect it warranted.”

The song “Glory to Hong Kong” is considered an unofficial anthem of the 2019 pro-democracy movement in the city which is now becoming increasingly controversial amid China’s crackdown on the democracy movement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-meet-live-updates-us-president-will-seek-to-establish-red-lines-in-face-to-face-talks-with-xi-533875">G20 Summit 2022 in Bali Live Updates | Xi lands in Indonesia, to hold face-to-face talks with Biden</a>

While authorities did not name the song, the widely circulated footage of Sunday’s match shows that it was played before the Asia Rugby Sevens Series finals between Hong Kong and South Korea in Incheon. A government spokesperson also wrote to the Hong Kong Rugby Union demanding them “to deal with this matter seriously, launch a full and in-depth investigation and submit a detailed report, and convey our strong objection”, to the organisers.&nbsp;

However, the city’s authorities said that Asia Rugby has already apologised to the union for the incident and confirmed that the recording of China’s national anthem submitted by the Hong Kong team’s coach was the correct one and that the incident occurred was a mistake “caused by human error of a junior staff”.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-hong-kong-reclaim-its-lost-glory-518188">Gravitas: Can Hong Kong reclaim its lost glory?</a>

The statement added, the Hong Kong team noticed the mistake and brought it to the organiser’s attention who then made a public announcement conveying its apology after the game China's national anthem, March of the Volunteers, was played during the prize ceremony after Hong Kong won the final.&nbsp;

On Monday, the city’s rugby union expressed “extreme dissatisfaction” over the incident and said that the organisers, Asia Rugby, have “expressed their sincere apologies” and assured them that such a mistake will not be repeated.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongs-anti-graft-agency-charged-four-people-for-reposting-election-boycott-calls-532606">Hong Kong’s anti-graft agency charges four people for reposting election boycott calls</a> 
 
The city has a law against disrespecting the Chinese national anthem which was enacted in 2020 after sports fans had started booing, March of the Volunteers when it was played during football matches. Notably, while Glory to Hong Kong has not been banned in the city, earlier this year, a harmonica player was detained after playing the tune to a crowd outside the British consulate.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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On Monday, the Hong Kong government in a strongly worded statement criticised and demanded an investigation after a popular democracy protest song was played instead of the Chinese national anthem at a rugby seven seas tournament game that the city was a part of in South Korea.

On Monday, the Hong Kong government in a strongly worded statement criticised and demanded an investigation after a popular democracy protest song was played instead of the Chinese national anthem at a rugby seven seas tournament game that the city was a part of in South Korea. In a statement, the city’s government said that it “strongly deplores and opposes the playing of a song closely associated with violent protests and the 'independence' movement”, in place of China's national anthem. It added, “The National Anthem is a symbol of our country. The organiser of the tournament has a duty to ensure that the National Anthem receives the respect it warranted.” The song “Glory to Hong Kong” is considered an unofficial anthem of the 2019 pro-democracy movement in the city which is now becoming increasingly controversial amid China’s crackdown on the democracy movement. ALSO READ: G20 Summit 2022 in Bali Live Updates | Xi lands in Indonesia, to hold face-to-face talks with Biden While authorities did not name the song, the widely circulated footage of Sunday’s match shows that it was played before the Asia Rugby Sevens Series finals between Hong Kong and South Korea in Incheon. A government spokesperson also wrote to the Hong Kong Rugby Union demanding them “to deal with this matter seriously, launch a full and in-depth investigation and submit a detailed report, and convey our strong objection”, to the organisers. However, the city’s authorities said that Asia Rugby has already apologised to the union for the incident and confirmed that the recording of China’s national anthem submitted by the Hong Kong team’s coach was the correct one and that the incident occurred was a mistake “caused by human error of a junior staff”. ALSO WATCH: Gravitas: Can Hong Kong reclaim its lost glory? The statement added, the Hong Kong team noticed the mistake and brought it to the organiser’s attention who then made a public announcement conveying its apology after the game China's national anthem, March of the Volunteers, was played during the prize ceremony after Hong Kong won the final. On Monday, the city’s rugby union expressed “extreme dissatisfaction” over the incident and said that the organisers, Asia Rugby, have “expressed their sincere apologies” and assured them that such a mistake will not be repeated. ALSO READ: Hong Kong’s anti-graft agency charges four people for reposting election boycott calls The city has a law against disrespecting the Chinese national anthem which was enacted in 2020 after sports fans had started booing, March of the Volunteers when it was played during football matches. Notably, while Glory to Hong Kong has not been banned in the city, earlier this year, a harmonica player was detained after playing the tune to a crowd outside the British consulate. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong demands probe after protest song replaced Chinese anthem at rugby match in South Korea

Hong Kong police fired pepper ball rounds on Wednesday at protesters in the city's commercial district ahead of a debate in the legislature over a law that bans insulting China's national anthem.

Protests over anthem and security bills in Hong Kong intensifies

Protestors in Hong Kong gathered near the legislative council building in a protest over the debate on a bill that would criminalize insulting or abuse of the Chinese national anthem. Watch report.

Protest over anthem and security bills in Hong Kong

Hong Kong police fire pepper ball rounds at protesters

As Covid-19 cases slow down to a trickle, Hong Kong protest erupt again. This time over another controversial bill that seeks to criminalize any insults to the Chinese national anthem.

Hong Kong Protests erupt again? Controversy on Chinese National Anthem

The government of Hong Kong has requested the lawmakers of the country to make ''booing'' China'a national anthem punishable by prison.

It instructed them to pass the proposed national anthem law ''as soon as possible''&nbsp;when the legislature resumes the second reading of the bill on May 27.

The proposed law is aimed at ensuring that residents of Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous Chinese territory, respect China’s national anthem.

According to the law,&nbsp;those who use the anthem for commercial purposes, or publicly and intentionally insult the anthem, such as booing it during soccer games, could face fines of up to 50,000 Hong Kong dollars and up to three years in prison.

The opposition camp admits it has little room left to further delay the bill’s passage&nbsp;after it lost control of the agenda-setting House Committee in the Legislative Council, but warned Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor she should draw lessons from the social upheaval caused by the now-withdrawn&nbsp;extradition bill&nbsp;and address the public’s concerns over the controversial law.

The move comes as differences between the pro-Beijing and pro-democracy camps in Hong Kong were sharpened during months-long protests last year that were sparked by an attempt to pass a bill that would have allowed suspects to be extradited to mainland China to face trials.&nbsp;

The government of Hong Kong has requested the lawmakers of the country to make ''booing'' China'a national anthem punishable by prison. It instructed them to pass the proposed national anthem law ''as soon as possible'' when the legislature resumes the second reading of the bill on May 27.

The government of Hong Kong has requested the lawmakers of the country to make ''booing'' China'a national anthem punishable by prison. It instructed them to pass the proposed national anthem law ''as soon as possible'' when the legislature resumes the second reading of the bill on May 27. The proposed law is aimed at ensuring that residents of Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous Chinese territory, respect China’s national anthem. According to the law, those who use the anthem for commercial purposes, or publicly and intentionally insult the anthem, such as booing it during soccer games, could face fines of up to 50,000 Hong Kong dollars and up to three years in prison. The opposition camp admits it has little room left to further delay the bill’s passage after it lost control of the agenda-setting House Committee in the Legislative Council, but warned Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor she should draw lessons from the social upheaval caused by the now-withdrawn extradition bill and address the public’s concerns over the controversial law. The move comes as differences between the pro-Beijing and pro-democracy camps in Hong Kong were sharpened during months-long protests last year that were sparked by an attempt to pass a bill that would have allowed suspects to be extradited to mainland China to face trials.

Hong Kong lawmakers to make 'abuse' of Chinese national anthem legal offence

Hong Kong football fans booed as the Chinese national anthem was played on Wednesday before their team's clash with China in South Korea as the political turmoil that has gripped the former British colony spilt over to the sports world.

The Korea Football Association said it had taken steps to ensure there were no banners bearing political messages at the Busan Asiad Stadium, where nearly 200 Hong Kong fans chanted and banged drums to drown out a tiny pocket of Chinese supporters.

China won the game by 2-0.

Hong Kong has been rocked by six months of sometimes <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-needs-to-do-more-to-stop-violence-resolve-problems-government-268621">violent demonstrations</a>, with protesters angered by what they see as Beijing's stifling of freedoms despite a "one country, two systems" promise of autonomy when the city returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-should-stop-interfering-in-our-internal-matters-chinas-top-diplomat-266841">China rejects the suggestion</a> it is interfering in Hong Kong and blames Western countries for inciting the trouble.

Disrespecting the national anthem is a crime in China. Hong Kong has presented a bill that sets jail terms of up to three years for the same offence, a move critics say raises fresh fears over freedom of expression.

Hong Kong, designated the home side for Wednesday's match in the four-team tournament that also includes hosts South Korea and Japan, were dressed all in red and turned to face their bauhinia flag when the national anthem began.

The Chinese players, dressed in yellow, faced their flag and belted out the anthem as it was being played, while boos rang out from the Hong Kong fans.

After the game ended, the Hong Kong fans sang "Glory to Hong Kong," a song that has become a rallying cry for democracy.

Television coverage of the match in Hong Kong did not show the anthem being played, instead of cutting in as the players were shaking hands.

When Chinese Player Ji Xiang scored the first goal in the ninth minute, the Hong Kong fans booed and shouted in English: "Let's go Hong Kong, let's go!"

Chinese fans tried make themselves heard in the cavernous 50,000-seater stadium as Hong Kong supporters chanted: "We are Hong Kong" throughout the match.

University student Ben Wan, 21, said he flew in to watch the tournament and said the match had taken on a different edge due to the unrest back home in Hong Kong.

Wan, who was wearing a black mask, said: "I think the games against China are much more important than the previous because in Hong Kong there is political cleavage, it is becoming more and more serious."

Chinese fan Zhang Hui said he flew in just for this game.

"This particular competition, we think it’s between two Chinese teams, one country two systems, go China!" said the 37-year-old.

Hong Kong fans also jeered the country's national anthem during a soccer World Cup qualifier against Iran in September.

"I’m a bit disappointed about the score because we lost but the team performance was I think was good," a man who gave his surname as So said. "I’ve quite enjoyed the match because we got many friends here."

Hong Kong football fans booed as the Chinese national anthem was played on Wednesday before their team's clash with China in South Korea as the political turmoil that has gripped the former British colony spilt over to the sports world.

Hong Kong football fans booed as the Chinese national anthem was played on Wednesday before their team's clash with China in South Korea as the political turmoil that has gripped the former British colony spilt over to the sports world. The Korea Football Association said it had taken steps to ensure there were no banners bearing political messages at the Busan Asiad Stadium, where nearly 200 Hong Kong fans chanted and banged drums to drown out a tiny pocket of Chinese supporters. China won the game by 2-0. Hong Kong has been rocked by six months of sometimes violent demonstrations, with protesters angered by what they see as Beijing's stifling of freedoms despite a "one country, two systems" promise of autonomy when the city returned to Chinese rule in 1997. China rejects the suggestion it is interfering in Hong Kong and blames Western countries for inciting the trouble. Disrespecting the national anthem is a crime in China. Hong Kong has presented a bill that sets jail terms of up to three years for the same offence, a move critics say raises fresh fears over freedom of expression. Hong Kong, designated the home side for Wednesday's match in the four-team tournament that also includes hosts South Korea and Japan, were dressed all in red and turned to face their bauhinia flag when the national anthem began. The Chinese players, dressed in yellow, faced their flag and belted out the anthem as it was being played, while boos rang out from the Hong Kong fans. After the game ended, the Hong Kong fans sang "Glory to Hong Kong," a song that has become a rallying cry for democracy. Television coverage of the match in Hong Kong did not show the anthem being played, instead of cutting in as the players were shaking hands. When Chinese Player Ji Xiang scored the first goal in the ninth minute, the Hong Kong fans booed and shouted in English: "Let's go Hong Kong, let's go!" Chinese fans tried make themselves heard in the cavernous 50,000-seater stadium as Hong Kong supporters chanted: "We are Hong Kong" throughout the match. University student Ben Wan, 21, said he flew in to watch the tournament and said the match had taken on a different edge due to the unrest back home in Hong Kong. Wan, who was wearing a black mask, said: "I think the games against China are much more important than the previous because in Hong Kong there is political cleavage, it is becoming more and more serious." Chinese fan Zhang Hui said he flew in just for this game. "This particular competition, we think it’s between two Chinese teams, one country two systems, go China!" said the 37-year-old. Hong Kong fans also jeered the country's national anthem during a soccer World Cup qualifier against Iran in September. "I’m a bit disappointed about the score because we lost but the team performance was I think was good," a man who gave his surname as So said. "I’ve quite enjoyed the match because we got many friends here."

Hong Kong fans boo national anthem ahead of soccer match with China

Hong Kong on Wednesday presented a controversial bill to lawmakers that prescribe jail terms of up to three years for disrespecting the Chinese national anthem, a move critics say raises fresh fears over freedom of expression in the city.

Chinese authorities have strived to instil greater patriotism in the former British colony at a time of heightened tension between democracy activists and forces loyal to Beijing, with some in Hong Kong even advocating independence from China.

Besides imprisonment, the measure would fix a maximum fine of HK$50,000 ($6,370) for those who publicly and intentionally disrespect the anthem, the "March of the Volunteers".

It also extends to schoolchildren, including pupils of international schools, who would be legally required to learn the anthem.

"I think teachers would feel worried about this proposal, because if we allow this government to pass a law to instruct the teachers what to teach, well, this time it is for the national anthem, maybe next time it could be other things," said secondary school teacher Simon Hung, 36.

Small groups of pro-democracy and pro-Beijing protesters taunted each other outside the Legislative Council, shouting and chanting through loud hailers.

Waving the red Chinese flag, pro-Beijing demonstrators held up banners that read: "Safeguard national dignity" and "Support the national anthem law," while democracy activists held placards that said: "Unsung freedom."

Booing the anthem at soccer matches in Hong Kong has emerged as a form of political protest in the past few years, seized upon by young people keen to demonstrate their frustration at Beijing's perceived creeping influence.

The global financial hub returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that promises the city a high degree of autonomy, including freedom of expression.

The anthem proposal is expected to pass easily when it comes to a vote - probably before the summer - as the opposition does not have enough seats to block routine legislation.

Hong Kong has already outlawed the desecration of national flags and emblems, which can attract jail terms of three years.

Calls for outright independence are a red line for China's Communist Party leaders, who deem Hong Kong an inalienable part of the nation.

But many young people in Hong Kong have become increasingly angered by what they see as China's encroachment on the city's culture and autonomy, with some advocating "localism", or a Hong Kong identity, rather than a Chinese one.

"We have no sense of belonging to China at all," one football supporter told Reuters. "Even people I know who are born since 1997, they still think they are Hongkongers, but not Chinese."

In 2017, mainland China adopted a law banning disrespect for the anthem. A similar measure is being reviewed in Macau, a former Portuguese-run enclave that returned to Chinese rule in 1999.

Hong Kong on Wednesday presented a controversial bill to lawmakers that prescribe jail terms of up to three years for disrespecting the Chinese national anthem, a move critics say raises fresh fears over freedom of expression in the city.

Hong Kong on Wednesday presented a controversial bill to lawmakers that prescribe jail terms of up to three years for disrespecting the Chinese national anthem, a move critics say raises fresh fears over freedom of expression in the city. Chinese authorities have strived to instil greater patriotism in the former British colony at a time of heightened tension between democracy activists and forces loyal to Beijing, with some in Hong Kong even advocating independence from China. Besides imprisonment, the measure would fix a maximum fine of HK$50,000 ($6,370) for those who publicly and intentionally disrespect the anthem, the "March of the Volunteers". It also extends to schoolchildren, including pupils of international schools, who would be legally required to learn the anthem. "I think teachers would feel worried about this proposal, because if we allow this government to pass a law to instruct the teachers what to teach, well, this time it is for the national anthem, maybe next time it could be other things," said secondary school teacher Simon Hung, 36. Small groups of pro-democracy and pro-Beijing protesters taunted each other outside the Legislative Council, shouting and chanting through loud hailers. Waving the red Chinese flag, pro-Beijing demonstrators held up banners that read: "Safeguard national dignity" and "Support the national anthem law," while democracy activists held placards that said: "Unsung freedom." Booing the anthem at soccer matches in Hong Kong has emerged as a form of political protest in the past few years, seized upon by young people keen to demonstrate their frustration at Beijing's perceived creeping influence. The global financial hub returned to Chinese rule in 1997 under a "one country, two systems" formula that promises the city a high degree of autonomy, including freedom of expression. The anthem proposal is expected to pass easily when it comes to a vote - probably before the summer - as the opposition does not have enough seats to block routine legislation. Hong Kong has already outlawed the desecration of national flags and emblems, which can attract jail terms of three years. Calls for outright independence are a red line for China's Communist Party leaders, who deem Hong Kong an inalienable part of the nation. But many young people in Hong Kong have become increasingly angered by what they see as China's encroachment on the city's culture and autonomy, with some advocating "localism", or a Hong Kong identity, rather than a Chinese one. "We have no sense of belonging to China at all," one football supporter told Reuters. "Even people I know who are born since 1997, they still think they are Hongkongers, but not Chinese." In 2017, mainland China adopted a law banning disrespect for the anthem. A similar measure is being reviewed in Macau, a former Portuguese-run enclave that returned to Chinese rule in 1999.

Hong Kong moves to make disrespecting Chinese national anthem a crime