​Hong Kong Customs on April 30 and May 1 detected three sea smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels. A large batch of suspected smuggled electronic goods and parts with a total estimated market value of about $120 million was seized.

     Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs on April 30 and May 1 identified two ocean-going vessels preparing to depart from Hong Kong for Pakistan and Thailand respectively at the Kwai Chung Container Terminals for inspection. A large batch of suspected smuggled electronic goods and parts, including central processing units, computer desktops, servers, hard disks and computer accessories, was seized inside five containers.

     An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.

     Customs is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for tackling smuggling activities and has long been combating various smuggling activities on all fronts. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to resolutely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to crack down on related crimes.

     Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.

     Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Ends/Friday, May 9, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:48

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