Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Second extortion attempt reported on Transformers 4 Hong Kong film set

A man has been arrested on suspicion of blackmail

Daisy Wyatt
Thursday 24 October 2013 12:42 BST
Comments
Director Michael Bay on the Transformers 4 film set in Hong Kong
Director Michael Bay on the Transformers 4 film set in Hong Kong (AP)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

A second extortion attempt has been reported on the Transformers 4 set in Hong Kong, according to police.

A statement released by the government said a member of the production company was setting up on the roof of a building in Kowloon when four men “intimidated her and asked her for money”.

The case has been classified as blackmail by police, who have arrested a 35-year-old man and are looking for three others.

The alleged blackmail is thought to have been perpetrated by a triad, a Chinese organised crime gang.

The case follows the assault of Transformers director Michael Bay last week, who was attacked on another filming location.

Two brothers allegedly assaulted the director and demanded 100,000 Hong Kong dollars (£7,900) from him. They have since been arrested by the police.

Transformers: Age of Extinction, which stars Mark Wahlberg and Kelsey Grammer, is due for release in June next year.

Studios are increasingly filming parts of their big blockbusters in China, exploiting the ever-increasing box office potential of the Asian territory.

This year's Iron Man 3, which had special scenes featuring Chinese actors, took $121m (£75m) in China, making it the Marvel film's biggest market outside of the US.

With additional reporting from the Associated Press

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in