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The Immigration Department and the Hong Kong Police Force today (April 3) jointly mounted an anti-illegal employment operation codenamed "Windsand" in the Sheung Shui district. During the operation, nine Mainland visitors, three male and six female aged between 23 and 52, were arrested for breaching their conditions of stay by being involved in suspected parallel goods trading at Choi Fai Street and San Wan Road in Sheung Shui. Officers also seized large amounts of milk powder, cosmetics and foods during the operation.
All the arrestees were detained for questioning. The operation is still in progress.
Since September 2012, a number of "Windsand" operations have been conducted by the department, during which a total of 669 Mainlanders and 10 Hong Kong residents were arrested for suspected involvement in parallel goods trading. Of these, 100 Mainlanders were prosecuted for breach of conditions of stay, while the remaining 569 people were repatriated. Among those prosecuted, 92 out of 100 were sentenced to imprisonment for four weeks to two months. Charges were withdrawn for another eight people.
"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 action with related law enforcement departments against the offences concerned," an Immigration Department spokesman said.
Ends/Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:13
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