The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, and the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security of the Republic of Zambia, Mr Jack Mwiimbu, signed bilateral agreements on the surrender of fugitive offenders (SFO), mutual legal assistance in criminal matters (MLA) and the transfer of sentenced persons (TSP) in the Central Government Offices today (September 26) on behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the Government of Zambia respectively.

     "Both Hong Kong and Zambia are committed players in the international efforts to fight crime. The signing of the agreements on SFO, MLA and TSP today represents an important step forward in legal co-operation between Hong Kong and Zambia," Mr Tang said at the signing ceremony.

     Under the Basic Law, the Government of the HKSAR may, with the authorisation of the Central People's Government, make appropriate arrangements with foreign states for reciprocal juridical assistance.

     The SFO agreement sets out the conditions for the surrender of fugitive offenders between the HKSAR and Zambia and contains the usual safeguards found in similar international agreements, including that the conduct must constitute an offence according to the laws of both parties, and surrender may be refused if the offence is punishable by the death penalty.

     The MLA agreement between the Government of the HKSAR and the Government of Zambia contains the essential features and safeguards of international agreements of this type. Assistance covered by the agreement includes identifying and locating persons, serving documents, taking evidence, executing requests for search and seizure, providing information, confiscating proceeds of crime, and more.

     The TSP agreement embodies the shared conviction of Hong Kong and Zambia that allowing sentenced persons to return to their places of origin, where there are no language or cultural barriers and where friends and relatives can pay more regular visits, is conducive to their rehabilitation. Hong Kong's policy is therefore to facilitate such transfers between Hong Kong and other jurisdictions as far as possible.

     A list of the major bilateral international agreements (including SFO, MLA and TSP agreements) of the HKSAR that have come into force can be found at www.doj.gov.hk/en/external/international_agreements.html.

Ends/Friday, September 26, 2025
Issued at HKT 11:38

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