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Following is a question by the Hon Ambrose Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, in the Legislative Council today (May 19):

Question:

Will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the number of detected criminal cases involving non-organized counterfeiting of currency with computer equipment in domestic premises over the past three years, breakdown by age of suspects;

(b) how the number of such criminal cases in the first four months of this year compares to that of the same period last year, and whether there is a trend of drastic increase; and

(c) whether it has plans to enhance the education and publicity activities to advise young people not to commit such crimes; if so, of the details; if not, whether it will consider implementing the relevant plans?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) From 2001 to 2003, the Police detected five cases of non-organized counterfeiting of currency using computer equipment in domestic premises. A total of 14 persons were arrested, among whom four were secondary school students. Other arrested persons were aged between 20 and 48.

(b) In the first four months of both 2003 and 2004, no cases involving such criminal activities were found by the Police.

(c) The Police have long been reminding the public not to commit illegal acts, including currency counterfeiting, through various channels. For instance, on March 17, 2004, a Police representative attended a seminar on currency counterfeiting at the invitation of the University of Hong Kong, and promoted the message that youths should not commit such crimes. The Police would continue their anti-crime education and publicity efforts as appropriate.

Ends/Wednesday, May 19, 2004

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