Ten immigration offenders arrested
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     The Immigration Department and the Hong Kong Police Force yesterday (July 7) jointly mounted an anti-illegal employment operation codenamed "Windsand" in Sheung Shui district. During the operation, 10 Mainland visitors comprising five men and five women aged 32 to 58 were arrested for breaching their conditions of stay by being involved in suspected parallel goods trading at Po Wan Road and Ka Fu Close. The goods included milk powder, food, cosmetics, daily necessities, automotive parts, cameras and mobile phones.

     Since September 2012, a number of "Windsand" operations have been conducted, during which a total of 1 289 Mainlanders and 14 Hong Kong residents were arrested for suspected involvement in parallel goods trading. Of these, 200 Mainlanders were prosecuted for breach of conditions of stay and one is under investigation, while the remaining 1 088 people were repatriated. Among those prosecuted, 191 out of 200 were sentenced to imprisonment for four weeks to three months and charges were withdrawn for another nine people.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, July 8, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:18

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