Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Email this article news.gov.hk
LCQ12: Combatting triad activities always a priority of Police
********************************************************

    Following is a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, to a question by the Hon Albert Chan on triad activities preying on public light buses in the Legislative Council today (March 5):

Question:

    In recent years, quite a number of drivers of public light buses ("PLBs") complained to me that they were often harassed by triad members, who extorted money from them in the name of "terminal fees", intimidated them to join associations connected with triad societies and claimed that only members of these associations were permitted to drive their PLBs into certain PLB terminals.  Drivers refusing to give in were often assaulted and their PLBs were often vandalised.  In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

(a) of the number of cases reported in each of the past three years by PLB drivers who alleged that they were harassed by triad members and, among such cases, the respective numbers of cases involving extorting "terminal fees" and intimidating drivers to join certain organisations;

(b) of the number of prosecutions instituted in each of the past three years against persons who claimed to be triad members and harassed PLB drivers; and

(c) whether it will consider stepping up patrol of PLB terminals and detection of the crimes concerned, so as to prevent PLB drivers from being harassed and extorted by triad members; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

Reply:

Madam President,

(a) and (b) According to Police records, the numbers of cases in which drivers of public light buses (PLBs) were harassed by suspected members of triad societies in 2005 to 2007 were 19, 4 and 15 respectively.  None of these cases was confirmed to be related to extortion of "terminal fees" or drivers being intimidated to join unlawful organisations.

    In the past three years, a total of five people were prosecuted for being members of triad societies and harassing PLB drivers.

(c) Combating triad activities has always been a priority task of the Hong Kong Police Force.  The Police will continue to enhance their criminal intelligence network and take enforcement actions in a prompt and professional manner in handling intelligence and reports concerning triad activities and other crimes.  Police officers of the Anti-Triad Squads in different Police Districts will step up patrol of PLB terminals in their respective districts and meet with operators of PLB routes and PLB drivers directly to gather intelligence.  In addition, the Police will meet with PLB drivers' associations from time to time to exchange information on measures to prevent crimes and to protect personal safety.

Ends/Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:29

NNNN

Print this page