Prosecution points to money as source of Abby Choi's murder trial

A new nine-member jury comprising eight men and one woman has been selected for the murder and dismemberment trial of socialite Abby Choi.

This as the prosecution described in its opening statement that money was the source of all that transpired.

The three defendants in the case comprising Choi's former father-in-law Kwong Kau, ex-husband Alex Kwong and former brother-in-law Anthony Kwong were brought to trial at the High Court earlier today.

The murder of Abby Choi took place on February 21, 2023, after which the three men were all charged with murder and preventing the lawful and decent burial of a body.

This as the High Court selected a jury consisting of eight men and one woman this morning, with prosecutor Charlotte Draycott delivering the opening statement during the afternoon.

She mentioned Choi's career as a socialite, model and influencer, and how her stepfather would give her money for investment purposes.

In 2013, the then-18-year-old Choi married Alex Kwong, who was unemployed at the time, and gave birth to a son and a daughter.

The prosecution noted Choi and Kwong had separated after several years of marriage with Choi subsequently marrying Chris Tam and giving birth to another son and daughter.

Draycott compared Tam's wealthy background with Kwong's financial situation, stressing that she mentioned the issue of money since it was the source of the whole incident.

The prosecution said Kwong was arrested in 2015 after being involved in a scam involving some 6.2 million dollars.

He became a fugitive after failing to appear at the trial held in November the same year, and was only caught by authorities after the death of his ex-wife.

Draycott noted Choi and Kwong maintained contact after their separation, with the former continuing to financially support the Kwong family.

The prosecution further said Choi was worried her new husband may dislike her children staying with the Kwong family, and decided to spend 60 million dollars to purchase a new residence in Ho Man Tin's Kadoorie Hill.

Believing that Choi wanted to save on stamp duty, the prosecution said she arranged for Kwong Kau to hold the property under his name as a nominee, emphasising that this decision led to a string of events that caused her death.

Draycott noted the situation dramatically worsened in June 2022 when Choi asked the senior Kwong to sell the Kadoorie Hill property, with the latter refusing to do so.

Choi tried to persuade Kwong again in July the same year with the latter attempting to physically assault her.

By November, Choi's mother threatened to sue Kwong at which point he relented and signed the relevant letter of authorisation.

Draycott stressed Kwong Kau can keep the residence upon Choi's death, and tasked his sons with murdering his former daughter-in-law.

This as the trial will continue on Friday during which the prosecution will continue their opening statement.