Police have shut down an extortion syndicate targeting Lantau construction sites, arresting six men in an undercover operation.

It was launched last May after two arson cases in September 2004. Last June a 36-year-old man approached an officer posing as a construction company agent. He claimed to be responsible for security of all construction sites on Lantau Island and demanded a $900,000 security fee, which was negotiated down to $280,000.

The transaction was booked at a Fu Tung Shopping Centre restaurant. When two men, aged 50 and 51, approached for the money, ambushing officers arrested them. Later that evening, four men, aged 22 to 37, suspected to be involved in the case, surrendered at Tung Chung Police Station.

Police appeal to extorted Lantau construction companies to come forward and call Police on 3661 1255.