31st December 2024 – (Hong Kong) A netizen has recently shared striking images of luxurious vehicles spotted in an unnamed public housing estate, including a classic Rolls Royce, a Bentley Mulsanne, a McLaren, and six Rolls Royce Phantoms—four of which are custom red models believed to be part of a forced sale by the troubled Louis XIII hotel in Macao. Notably, most of these vehicles were found without licence plates.
The management of the public housing estate faces criticism for permitting a single entity to occupy numerous parking spaces, raising concerns about potential misuse of public resources and the integrity of housing regulations. This oversight highlights the need for stricter policies to prevent such situations, ensuring that public facilities are used appropriately and equitably by all residents.
The Housing Department has been investigating luxury vehicles in public housing estates this year, yet these particular cars went undetected by their efforts. It remains uncertain whether any of the Rolls Royces are even registered.
In 2014, flamboyant Hong Kong tycoon Stephen Hung made headlines by placing the largest order for Rolls Royce cars, acquiring a fleet of 30 Phantoms for his Macao resort, the Louis XIII hotel. This purchase, totalling around HK$155 million, eclipsed the previous record set by The Peninsula hotel in 2006.
The Phantoms were intended to chauffeur VIP guests to the hotel, which opened in early 2016, with some models featuring extravagant gold accents. Despite Hung’s lavish aspirations, the hotel faced major challenges, including a lack of partnerships with gaming operators and financial difficulties, leading to the sale of several luxury vehicles in recent years.
The Housing Department has conducted investigations into similar luxury vehicles parked in public rental estates, including Teslas and high-end BMWs. Recent reports indicate that luxury cars valued between HK$350,000 and HK$700,000 have been found in the car parks of several new public housing estates.
