Traditional Chinese Simplified Chinese Email this article news.gov.hk
Thirty immigration offenders arrested
*************************************

     The Immigration Department and the Hong Kong Police Force today (April 10) jointly mounted an anti-illegal employment operation codenamed "Windsand" in Sheung Shui district. During the operation, 30 Mainland visitors comprising 11 men and 19 women, aged from 21 to 60, were arrested for breaching their conditions of stay by being involved in suspected parallel goods trading at San Wan Road, Po Wan Road, Ka Fu Close and Shek Wu Hui Jockey Club Playground. The goods involved milk powder, diapers, red wine, foods, cosmetics, daily necessities and car components.

     All the arrestees were detained for questioning. The operation is still in progress.

     Since September 2012, a number of Windsand operations have been conducted, during which a total of 1,173 Mainlanders and 13 Hong Kong residents were arrested for suspected involvement in parallel goods trading. Of these, 180 Mainlanders were prosecuted for breach of conditions of stay, while the remaining 993 people were repatriated. Among those prosecuted, 170 out of 180 were sentenced to imprisonment for four weeks to two months, two were pending court hearing, and charges were withdrawn for the other eight people.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/Thursday, April 10, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:09

NNNN

Print this page