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A Hong Kong man acting as an intermediary in an immigration scam was today (February 3) jailed for 12 months after appearing at the Sha Tin Magistrate's Court.
Ferdinand Cheng Foo-kwok, 48, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to obtain services by deception.
The court heard that a Mainlander, who intended to board a flight for London in June 2007, was found in possession of a forged HKSAR passport and a Hong Kong identity card. Both documents bore the Mainlander's photo but another man's name, Cheng Tung-wan. The case was referred to the Immigration Department for further investigation.
The Mainlander admitted that the forged HKSAR passport and Hong Kong identity card were arranged by a middleman at a cost of RMB110,000. Cheng Tung-wan had agreed, after being offered money by Cheng Foo-kwok, to act as a check-in facilitator for the Mainlander who sought entry to London from Hong Kong. Cheng Tung-wan was paid $3,800 and he gave $1,400 to Cheng Foo-kwok as commission. Cheng Foo-kwok was subsequently prosecuted.
The Mainland resident was earlier jailed for 12 months for possession of a forged travel document and a Hong Kong identity card.
Under the Theft Ordinance, people who dishonestly obtain services are liable to up to 10 years' jail.
Ends/Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:41
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