Abby Choi Murder Trial Opens in Hong Kong as Prosecutors Outline Luxury Property Dispute
The murder trial of Hong Kong model and social media personality Abby Choi has begun more than three years after her death, with prosecutors alleging that a dispute over a luxury apartment played a central role in the case.
Choi's former husband, Alex Kwong, his father Kwong Kau, and his elder brother Anthony Kwong are jointly charged with murder. All three have pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
The prosecution began presenting its opening case at Hong Kong's High Court on September 30, 2026, outlining an alleged financial dispute involving a luxury property where Kwong Kau had been living.
Who Was Abby Choi?
Abby Choi was a Hong Kong model, socialite, and influencer who had built a significant following on social media.
She was 28 years old when she was killed in February 2023 and was the mother of four children.
Choi had two children with Alex Kwong before their divorce. She later married businessman Chris Tam and had two additional children.
Shortly before her death, Choi had continued to appear publicly at fashion and social events, including sharing photographs connected with Paris Fashion Week.
Her disappearance and subsequent death attracted extensive attention in Hong Kong and internationally.
Three Former Relatives Face Murder Charges
The defendants are Choi's former husband, former father-in-law and former brother-in-law.
They are:
Alex Kwong Kong-chi, 31
Kwong Kau, 68, a retired police sergeant
Anthony Kwong Kong-kit, 35
The three men deny murdering Choi.
They are also charged with preventing the lawful burial of a body.
Alex Kwong and Anthony Kwong have pleaded guilty to that separate offence, while Kwong Kau has pleaded not guilty to it.
If convicted of murder, the defendants could face life imprisonment.
Prosecutors Point to a Luxury Apartment
A central part of the prosecution's case concerns a luxury apartment at the Kadooria residential development.
According to prosecutors, Choi had purchased the property and allowed members of her former husband's family to live there.
The prosecution alleges that the property was registered in Kwong Kau's name and that Choi later decided she wanted to sell it.
The apartment has been described in current court reporting as being worth approximately HK$72 million (US$9.2 million). Earlier reports had cited a lower purchase figure, reflecting different descriptions of the property's value and transaction history.
Prosecution Alleges the Property Dispute Became a Motive
During the opening statement, prosecutor Charlotte Draycott alleged that the relationship between Choi and her former in-laws deteriorated as she attempted to sell the apartment.
The prosecution claims Kwong Kau became extremely angry and resentful about the proposed sale because he wanted to retain the property.
Prosecutors allege that the three defendants subsequently worked together in a plan that resulted in Choi's death.
These statements are allegations presented by the prosecution and have not been established as facts by the court. All three defendants deny the murder charge.
Choi's Remains Were Discovered in 2023
The case first gained widespread attention in February 2023 after Choi was reported missing.
Police later discovered parts of her dismembered remains at a village house in the Lung Mei area of Tai Po, Hong Kong.
Investigators also conducted searches for additional evidence, including at a landfill.
The discovery shocked Hong Kong and attracted international attention because of the circumstances surrounding the case.
The Trial Has Attracted Significant Public Attention
The proceedings have generated strong public interest in Hong Kong.
Additional arrangements were made for members of the public to follow the proceedings because of the level of attention surrounding the case.
The trial is being heard before a jury in Hong Kong's High Court.
A nine-member jury was initially selected, although the original jury was later discharged after one juror requested to withdraw because of health concerns. A new jury was selected before the substantive prosecution opening began.
Why the Case Took More Than Three Years to Reach Trial
Choi was killed in February 2023, but the murder trial did not begin until September 2026.
The lengthy period reflects the complexity of a major criminal investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.
The case involves multiple defendants, forensic evidence, allegations concerning the disposal of Choi's remains and a separate charge involving lawful burial.
The prosecution is expected to present evidence over an extended period before the defense cases are heard.
The Defendants' Position Remains Important
Although prosecutors have presented a detailed theory about the alleged motive and events surrounding Choi's death, the defendants remain legally presumed innocent unless and until they are convicted.
Their not-guilty pleas mean the prosecution must prove the murder charge to the required criminal standard.
This distinction is particularly important in reporting a case that has attracted substantial public attention.
Claims made during opening statements represent the prosecution's case and are not themselves a verdict.
The Property Dispute Is Expected to Be Closely Examined
The alleged dispute over the Kadooria apartment is expected to be one of the major issues examined during the trial.
Prosecutors have argued that Choi's decision to sell the property created a financial conflict with her former in-laws.
The defense will have an opportunity to challenge the prosecution's evidence and arguments as the trial progresses.
The court will ultimately assess the evidence presented by both sides.
A Trial That Could Continue for Weeks
The murder proceedings are expected to last for several weeks.
Reports from Hong Kong indicate that the trial could run for roughly eight weeks, with the prosecution presenting evidence before the defense responds. Earlier scheduling information had anticipated around 45 days of proceedings.
Because the case remains ongoing, details may change as witnesses testify and additional evidence is presented.
What Happens Next?
The next stage of the proceedings will involve the prosecution presenting its evidence to the jury.
The defense will then have an opportunity to challenge the prosecution's case and present its own arguments.
The jury will eventually consider the evidence and determine whether the prosecution has proved the murder allegations against each defendant.
Until that process is complete, the accusations should not be treated as a final determination of guilt.
Conclusion
The Abby Choi murder trial has brought a high-profile 2023 killing back before Hong Kong's courts.
Prosecutors allege that a dispute involving a multimillion-dollar luxury apartment contributed to the events leading to Choi's death and that her former husband and two former in-laws acted together.
All three defendants deny the murder allegations, while two have admitted the separate offence of preventing the lawful burial of Choi's body.
As the trial continues, the court will examine the prosecution's claims, the available evidence and the defendants' responses before a verdict is reached.
For now, the case remains an active criminal proceeding, and the allegations presented in court should be distinguished from facts that have been proven.
Legal note: This article reports on an ongoing criminal trial. Allegations attributed to prosecutors are not findings of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted by the court.
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