Hong Kong police have arrested six individuals, including media executive Pan Chor-hong and his wife, in connection with allegations of fraud related to a COVID-19 loan program. Also among those arrested is veteran journalist Pan Siuman, according to multiple reports.
Authorities allege the group fraudulently obtained approximately HK$6 million (roughly $770,000 USD) through the “100% Guarantee Special Loan Scheme” intended for small and medium-sized enterprises during the pandemic, TVB News reports. Police initiated the arrests on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
Pan Siuman, a well-known figure in Hong Kong media, previously worked as an assistant to Pan Chor-hong before being dismissed in June 2021. She subsequently filed a lawsuit against Pan Chor-hong, successfully claiming unpaid wages and severance, according to am730. A court later issued an interim injunction against Pan Chor-hong following allegations of defamation made against Pan Siuman, but he failed to comply with the order. He was sentenced to 21 days in prison and ordered to pay HK$400,000 in legal costs for civil contempt of court in November 2024, a sentence he is currently appealing.
Pan Siuman is known for her online program, “Entertainment Little Milk Mom,” and has worked as an entertainment reporter. She was also involved in a publicized incident in 2005 when she was photographed with actress Yoyo Chen, sparking rumors of a same-sex relationship, as reported by Hittt. Chen later married Wang Haoxin in 2011 and had a daughter the following year.
Pan Chor-hong released a statement on Friday, March 20, 2026, saying his family is safe and well, and that he intends to prioritize his family, career, and health moving forward. He also stated he would leave “political issues to the great comrades to handle,” Yahoo News reports. The case highlights ongoing scrutiny of loan programs implemented during the pandemic.
