Police said on Wednesday they have busted a family-run syndicate committing online romance scams and arrested 15 people.

Ten men and five women were taken into custody, including the 43-year-old alleged mastermind and 11 other family members, among them his mother and brother. They are suspected of conspiracy to defraud and money laundering. No charges have so far been brought.

The force said the syndicate mainly targeted local men and was linked to more than 150 cases from January last year to April 2023.

Officers said the victims, aged 18 to 43, lost a total of HK$21 million.

Police said members of the syndicate posed as Hongkongers working abroad and attracted their victims online. They then made up excuses, such as getting into financial trouble, to induce the victims to transfer money to them.

Officers said the syndicate operated from a mansion in Sha Tin, where they confiscated two luxury cars and HK$300,000 worth of cash, among other items.

Acting superintendent Tai Tze-bun said the syndicate operated more easily as a family business.

"(There is) easier communication and trust within the family members. To a certain extent, since the syndicate is operated within the family, they are more alert to outsiders and will take extra measures to conceal their criminal activities," he said.

Police urged members of the public not to transfer money to people online if they are not sure of their identities, to prevent falling victim to these scams.