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Twelve immigration offenders arrested
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     The Immigration Department and the Hong Kong Police Force yesterday (January 13) jointly mounted an anti-illegal employment operation codenamed "Windsand" in the New Territories North Region.

     During the operation, 12 Mainland visitors comprising four men and eight women aged from 29 to 60 were arrested for breaching their conditions of stay by being involved in suspected parallel goods trading at Po Wan Road, Choi Yuen Road and Lok Ma Chau Pun Uk Tsuen. The goods included milk powder, snacks, red wine, nutritional supplements, toys and daily necessities.

     Since September 2012, a number of "Windsand" operations have been conducted, during which a total of 1,084 Mainlanders and 13 Hong Kong residents were arrested for suspected involvement in parallel goods trading. Of these, 154 Mainlanders were prosecuted for breach of conditions of stay and seven are under investigation, while the remaining 923 people were repatriated. Among those prosecuted, 145 out of 154 were sentenced to imprisonment for four weeks to two months, one is still pending court hearing, and charges were withdrawn for another eight people.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/Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Issued at HKT 14:55

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