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A total of 28 persons were arrested during a joint operation mounted in Hong Kong waters against Mainland trade vessels (MTVs) using forged documents yesterday (October 18).
Codenamed ˇ§Backwatcherˇ¨, the operation was jointly organised by the Marine Police, Marine Department and Immigration Department. It aimed at combating illegal activities of MTVs entering Hong Kong by using forged maritime documents.
The operation commenced at 8 am yesterday and officers intercepted 13 MTVs inside Chai Wan Public Cargo Working Area. The masters and the launch mechanic officers of the MTVs were requested to produce the relevant maritime documents for checking, which were suspected to be forged.
Subsequently, the 13 masters and 13 launch mechanic officers of the MTVs were arrested, all mainland men, for using false instruments. A total of 13 shipping nationality certificates, 13 vessel examination certificates and 26 competency certificates were seized in the operation.
Follow-up investigations led to subsequent raids on two shipping companies located at Lei Yue Mun Road in Kwun Tong. Officers further arrested a 47-year-old man and a 42-year-old woman, both Hong Kong people, for possessing equipment for the making of false instrument. Some computers, company chops and suspected forged competency certificates were also seized.
All the arrested persons, aged between 26 and 50, are still being detained for enquiries.
Investigations are still going-on.
Police Report No.3
Ends/Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Issued at HKT 18:13
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