A high-profile murder trial is underway in Hong Kong involving the death of Abby Choi Tin-fung, a 28-year-old model who was found murdered and dismembered in February 2023. During proceedings at the Hong Kong High Court, Choi’s mother, Cheung Yin-fa, testified about her daughter’s relationship with her former in-laws, alleging that Choi had financially supported them extensively before her death.
Choi, who appeared on the covers of international fashion magazines, had provided for the luxury lifestyle of her ex-husband Alex Kwong Kong-chi, his brother Anthony Kwong Kong-kit, and their parents. According to Cheung, the Kwong family heavily relied on Choi’s income and had not contributed even basic expenses for their grandchildren. The tension escalated when Choi decided to sell a £5.75 million apartment in Kowloon, bought and registered under her former father-in-law Kwong Kau’s name, who is a 68-year-old retired police sergeant. Choi had intended the sale proceeds to support the care of her two children.
Cheung described how her daughter’s relationship with the Kwong family deteriorated following the planned sale. She claimed that Kwong Sr. threatened to kill Choi and her family if she proceeded with the sale of the property. Cheung characterized her daughter as kind and trusting but said that the family repaid her generosity with hostility.
Prosecutors allege that Kwong Sr., along with Choi’s ex-husband Alex and his elder brother Anthony, conspired to murder Choi. The court heard that on February 21, 2023, Choi was picked up from her home by Anthony, whom she employed as a chauffeur, to collect her daughter from school. It is alleged that Alex was hiding in the vehicle’s back seat armed with a hammer. All three men deny involvement in the murder. However, both brothers have admitted to charges related to preventing the lawful burial of Choi’s body, accusations their father denies.
Choi’s remains were discovered two days after her disappearance, following complaints from neighbors about a foul odor. Police found body parts in a rented flat in Hong Kong’s New Territories, including her skull and part of her ribcage submerged in a pot of vegetable soup. Some parts of her body have never been recovered.
Choi’s personal history reveals that she met Alex Kwong while in school, and they married as teenagers, having two children before their separation. Even after the divorce, she continued to financially support Alex and his family, purchasing multiple properties and luxury items including a Rolls-Royce. She later entered a relationship with restaurateur Chris Tam Fong-chun and had two more children.
The dispute over ownership and plans to sell the Kowloon apartment, allegedly purchased in Kwong Sr.’s name to avoid taxes, appears central to the case. Cheung testified that Choi had used harsh language toward her former in-laws during their disputes. On the day she disappeared, Choi sent a final text message indicating she was going to collect her daughter. Her family reported her missing after she failed to return.
The trial remains ongoing as the court continues to examine the circumstances surrounding Choi’s murder and the alleged involvement of the Kwong family.