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Two people were jailed by the District Court today (April 1) for possession of false travel document and conspiracy offences, an Immigration Department spokesman said.
The courier, Teo Ying Ching, was charged with one count of possession of a false travel document and one count of conspiracy to obtain services by deception. He was jailed for 22 months on the two charges.
Chen Fang was charged with one count of possession of a false travel document, one count of making false representation and one count of conspiracy to obtain services by deception. She pleaded guilty and was jailed for 22 months.
Last September, the defendants were stopped by Immigration investigators near the boarding gate for a flight to Korea. They claimed to be a couple and produced two Singaporean passports for inspection. As the Singaporean passport of Chen, in name of Toh Swee Feng, was suspected to be a counterfeit, she further produced a Chinese Permit in the name of Chen Fang for inspection. Under caution, they admitted that Teo was employed by a middleman to escort Chen to the USA. Forensic examination of Chen's Singaporean passport confirmed that it was a forgery.
Under the Theft Ordinance, people who dishonestly obtain services are liable to up to 10 years' jail.
Under the laws of Hong Kong, anyone who possesses a forged travel document commits an offence. Offenders are liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years.
It is also an offence to make false representation to immigration officers. Offenders are liable to prosecution and to a maximum fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalty.
Ends/Thursday, April 1, 2010
Issued at HKT 20:06
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