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Following is a question by the Hon Lau Kong-wah and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, in the Legislative Council today (June 30):

Question:

It was reported that in a joint operation early this month, the police forces in Macao and Zhuhai uncovered a cross-boundary criminal syndicate specialized in forging documents, and among the articles seized were some high-quality forged Hong Kong smart identity cards. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether:

(a) the Hong Kong Police has participated in this operation in terms of intelligence and manpower; if so, of the form of its participation; if not, the reasons for that and whether it has assessed if the liaison and cooperation between the Hong Kong Police and its Macao and Mainland counterparts are adequate;

(b) there is any evidence indicating that the forged smart identity cards seized by the Hong Kong Police in the past were made by this criminal syndicate; if so, why the Hong Kong Police had not been able to uncover this criminal syndicate at an earlier time; if not, the estimated current number of cross-boundary criminal syndicates involved in forging smart identity cards; and

(c) the anti-forgery features adopted for Hong Kong smart identity cards have been grasped by the lawless elements; if so, of the remedial measures to be taken?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) All along, we are very concerned about and have attached great importance to cross-boundary criminal activities of forgery syndicates. Well-established communication mechanism is in place for our law enforcement agencies to maintain close liaison and exchange information with the relevant Mainland, Macao and overseas authorities as well as representatives of consulates in Hong Kong on issues of mutual concern, including cross-boundary criminal activities of forgery syndicates. As for the case concerned, original intelligence indicated that the target of operation would not involve any forged Hong Kong identity documents and, therefore, our law enforcement agencies were not invited to participate in the operation. However, upon learning about the case, the Immigration Department (ImmD) had liaised with the relevant Mainland and Macao enforcement agencies and obtained relevant information for appropriate follow-up actions.

(b) As soon as forged Hong Kong smart identity cards were uncovered early this year, ImmD has, in collaboration with the relevant Mainland enforcement agencies, been investigating the cases actively. We do not preclude that criminal syndicates are involved but further details cannot be disclosed while investigations are underway. However, there is no evidence to suggest that the alleged criminal syndicate was involved in cases of forged smart identity cards found in Hong Kong in the past.

(c) Forged Hong Kong smart identity cards seized by us early this year were of poor quality and defects could be spotted easily. As for the forged identity cards seized lately, they are of better quality. Nevertheless, the forgers are unable to grasp the anti-forgery features which are unique to the smart identity cards, such as optical variable ink, multiple laser image, kineprint that enables images to change colours when viewed at different angles, and high-quality laser engraved photograph on polycarbonate card body. It is not difficult for the general public to differentiate between a genuine card and a fake one under careful scrutiny. To prevent the public and employers from being deceived, ImmD has strengthened publicity in this respect. Apart from producing posters and pamphlets for public reference, it has held talks for banks, property management companies, construction companies and law enforcement agencies. A hotline (2824 1551) has also been set up to facilitate enquires by the public and employers.

Ends/Wednesday, June 30, 2004

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