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A Hong Kong resident, who faked his marriage to a Mainland woman, was jailed for 15 months after appearing in the Sha Tin Magistrates' Court today (March 15).
Kwok Kiu-cheung, 29, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to defraud and one count of aiding and abetting, counselling or procuring the making a false representation to an Immigration officer.
In November 2006, Kwok's bogus wife presented for arrival clearance at Man Kam To control point. She was detained for further investigation for her doubtful purpose of visit.
Kwok subsequently admitted he had entered into a bogus marriage with a Mainland woman. The Mainland woman acquired a "90-day visa" endorsement to visit Hong Kong through bogus marriage relationship. Kwok helped his bogus wife make false representation by declaring to the Immigration control officers that she came to visit him.
"The Immigration Department has been very concerned with non-Hong Kong residents obtaining stay in Hong Kong by means of bogus marriage," a department spokesman said. "A special task force has been set up to gather intelligence through various avenues and a thorough investigation will be conducted once evidence comes to light. If there is enough evidence, the department will prosecute offenders.
"For people who have obtained their residence in Hong Kong by fraudulent means, their Hong Kong identity card and residence status will be declared invalid according to the laws of Hong Kong. They will also be subject to removal back to their place of origin," the spokesman said.
Under the laws of Hong Kong, anyone who commits the offence of conspiracy is liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for 14 years.
It is also an offence to make a false representation to immigration officers. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalty.
Ends/Thursday, March 15, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:04
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