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Twenty immigration offenders arrested
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     The Immigration Department and the Hong Kong Police Force yesterday (January 20) jointly mounted an anti-illegal employment operation codenamed "Windsand" in Sheung Shui district.

     During the operation, 20 Mainland visitors comprising nine men and 11 women aged 26 to 58 were arrested for breaching their conditions of stay by being involved in suspected parallel goods trading at the Advanced Technology Centre, San Fung Avenue and Ka Fu Close. The goods included milk powder, foods, medicines, red wine, diapers and daily necessities.

     Since September 2012, a number of "Windsand" operations have been conducted, during which a total of 1,104 Mainlanders and 13 Hong Kong residents were arrested for suspected involvement in parallel goods trading. Of these, 161 Mainlanders were prosecuted for breach of conditions of stay and seven are under investigation, while the remaining 936 people were repatriated. Among those prosecuted, 153 out of 161 were sentenced to imprisonment for four weeks to two months and charges were withdrawn for another eight people.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/Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:17

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