The Hong Kong judiciary has issued a warning regarding the growing backlog of criminal cases, citing a significant surge in litigation related to fraud and money laundering. According to a report submitted to the Legislative Council’s panel on the administration of justice and legal services, the total number of cases handled in 2025 hit approximately 537,000. This figure represents a 4% increase compared to the average annual caseload recorded over the previous five years.

In response to these mounting pressures, the Law Society of Hong Kong has suggested that the courts implement evening sessions to help clear the backlog. The judiciary acknowledges that the current volume of cases is straining the system, potentially leading to prolonged wait times for legal proceedings. While the judiciary has highlighted the statistical increase in cases, the proposal for extended hours remains a primary point of discussion for stakeholders looking to maintain the efficiency of the legal system. The situation underscores the challenges faced by the city's courts as they grapple with a rise in complex financial crimes, which typically require more intensive judicial resources than standard litigation.