Hong Kong vegetable wholesale market hit by ransomware attack affecting 7,000 users
Learn More
The Vegetable Marketing Organization (VMO) in Hong Kong reports a ransomware attack on its computer systems that potentially compromised personal information of approximately 7,000 market users.
VMO operates a wholesale vegetable market at Cheung Sha Wan, and provides wholesalers and buyers with trading facilities, accounting and other premium services, serving as a component of Hong Kong's food supply chain infrastructure.
The attack was detected on October 13, 2025. VMO suspended its network systems and disconnected servers from external connections. Preliminary investigation indicates that the incident involves the gate and accounting systems of the Cheung Sha Wan Vegetable Wholesale Market which contain sensitive operational data and personal information of thousands of market participants.
The affected systems housed particulars of approximately 7,000 market users, including wholesalers, retailers, and other stakeholders who conduct business at the facility. Potentially compromised information includes:
- Personal details of market users
- Information stored in gate systems
- Accounting system data
Market operations will continue as normal, but tasks involving payments and invoicing are handled manually.
The incident was reported to the Police, the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre, and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data. The organization has established a dedicated hotline for inquiries, with affected parties able to call 2710 0964 or 2710 0931 for assistance.
