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Twenty immigration offenders arrested
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     The Immigration Department and the Hong Kong Police Force yesterday (October 9) jointly mounted an anti-illegal employment operation codenamed "Windsand" in Lok Ma Chau. During the operation, 20 Mainland visitors comprising seven men and 13 women aged from 19 to 58 were arrested for breaching their conditions of stay by being involved in suspected parallel goods trading at Castle Peak Road, Kwu Tung Road and in the vicinity of Man Tin Cheung Park in Lok Ma Chau. The goods included milk powder, food, red wine, skin-care products, electronic products, daily necessities and other items.

     Since September 2012, a number of Windsand operations have been conducted, during which a total of 1 414 Mainlanders and 14 Hong Kong residents were arrested for suspected involvement in parallel goods trading. Of these, 204 Mainlanders were prosecuted for breach of conditions of stay, while the remaining 1 210 people were repatriated. Among those prosecuted, 195 out of 204 were sentenced to imprisonment for four weeks to three months, while nine people had their charges withdrawn.

     "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/Friday, October 10, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:45

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