"maximum penalty for his offense is a 12-month prison term and a fine of HK$5,000. "
"the police reported that they were only able to recover HK$5,000 (the equivalent of $639) from the streets."

"and they have also urged members of the public who were beneficiaries of his lawlessness to return the bills to where they got them."

in short police have to return 5000 back to the arrested man..... (so he can pay his fine)
lol..

5000 needed to pay.. only 5000 returned to him.. not a coincidence

"Innocent bystanders at the location attested to the total amount of money that was thrown away could be millions,"
HK5000 is less than 700US
i wonder what the police done with the other amounts that they grabbed but didnt declare, thus not have to give back to the arrestee