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The Immigration Department today (February 1) mounted an anti-illegal employment operation codenamed "Breakthrough" in Sheung Shui. During the operation, officers raided a number of black spots for parallel goods trading including the vicinity of Po Shek Wu Road, Po Wan Road, San Wan Road and Choi Yuen Road. As a result, 22 Mainland visitors, nine male and 13 female, aged between 22 and 59, were arrested for breaching their conditions of stay by being involved in suspected parallel goods trading. Officers also seized large amounts of diapers, milk powder, candies, health food products and electronic products during the operation.
All the arrestees were detained for questioning. The operation is still in progress.
"Visitors are not allowed to take up employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties. The Immigration Department will continue to take enforcement actions with related law enforcement departments against the offences concerned," an Immigration Department spokesman said.
Ends/Friday, February 1, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:02
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