**********************************
Officers of the Tai Po District Crime Headquarters arrested four key syndicate members including three men and one woman, aged between 19 and 49, in Sheung Shui and Yuen Long for conspiracy to defraud, and seized a total of 48 mobile phones yesterday (June 7).
Following a complaint from the public, officers from the Tai Po District Crime Headquarters launched an investigation in May 2011 into a deception syndicate active in Sheung Shui area. Members of the syndicate recruited job seekers through newspaper advertisements and persuaded them to purchase mobile phones under contract in their own names from various providers in return for money reward and delivery jobs. However, the victims were left liable for the outstanding payment to the providers, and job opportunities were never materialized.
After extensive investigations, police arrested the four key syndicate members and seized 48 new mobile phones, sim cards, application forms and a quantity of cash yesterday. All the arrested persons are still being detained.
Police believes that the deception syndicate has been neutralized. Members of the public are reminded to take heed of such advertisements in newspapers. Anyone who believes to have been a victim of this syndicate are advised to contact investigation officers on 3661 3662.
Police Report No. 10
Issued by PPRB
Ends/Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:03
NNNN
