Hong Kong man alleges parents sold US$448,000 gold savings to fund brother’s home purchase
A Hong Kong man has triggered heated online debate after alleging that his parents sold his gold savings — accumulated over 15 years and worth about HK$3.5 million (approximately US$448,000) — without his consent to help his younger brother pay a property down payment, sparking a family fallout that involved a knife threat and his eviction from home.
- A Hong Kong man alleged his mother secretly sold his gold savings, accumulated over 15 years, to fund his brother’s home purchase.
- The dispute escalated into a family confrontation, with the man claiming he was threatened with a knife and forced to leave home.
- After public backlash and negotiations, the case ended with a partial repayment agreement, though family relations remain strained.
HONG KONG: As precious metal prices surged to record highs, with gold reportedly reaching US$5,600 per ounce, a Hong Kong man took to social media platform Threads on 1 February to share his shock after discovering his gold savings had disappeared.
The man said he had been buying gold coins every month since graduating, gradually increasing his purchases as his income grew. Over 15 years, he stored the gold in a safe at home, with its value recently estimated at HK$3.5 million (approximately US$448,000).
When he decided to sell the gold to capitalise on the high prices, he found that all the gold was gone, along with purchase receipts.
Mother Admits Selling Gold for Younger Son
The man later learned that his mother had sold the gold, using the money to help his younger brother pay the down payment for a flat.
He said he confronted his parents, questioning why his savings were used when he himself had not bought a home.
His mother allegedly replied that the younger brother was about to get married and “needed a house urgently,” adding that the money would be repaid over time and that he could “save again.”
The man, who said he earns about HK$70,000 (approximately US$9,000) a month, described the revelation as devastating.
Confrontation Turns Ugly
The situation escalated into a heated argument. The man claimed he broke down in tears and clashed fiercely with his parents.
According to his post, his father allegedly took a knife from the kitchen, threatened him, and ordered him to leave the house immediately, accusing him of causing chaos over money and failing to do “a little for his younger brother.”
Feeling lost and unsafe, the man packed some belongings and moved into a hotel.
Ultimatum to Brother
The man also shared screenshots of a WhatsApp conversation with his younger brother, demanding that the money be returned within three days, or he would report the matter to the police.
“This gold represents 15 years of my hard work. I never gave permission for it to be sold or taken,” he wrote.
The younger brother replied by offering to pay interest and asked him to calm down, later promising to return at least one-third of the amount within the week.
Public Reaction: ‘No Different From Theft’
The story quickly went viral, drawing strong reactions from netizens.
Many condemned the parents’ actions, calling it “the same as stealing,” “emotional blackmail,” and “blatant favouritism.”
Some urged the man to report the case to the police, while others questioned the authenticity of the story.
A Sudden Turn of Events
In a later update posted in the comments section, the man revealed that the situation had taken an unexpected turn.
He said he voluntarily gave one-third of the money to his younger brother, while the remaining two-thirds would be repaid within two months.
He described the one-third as fulfilling his responsibility “as an elder brother,” but made it clear that he would not attend his brother’s wedding, citing awkwardness.
Explaining his decision not to involve the police, the man said he was too emotionally driven to take that step and noted that his parents had health issues.
“I hate what they did, but we’ve reached a temporary agreement,” he wrote, adding that he would not return home in the near future.
The man later deleted his post but thanked those who had shown support, insisting that the incident was real.
