A Filipino male recognizance form holder, charged with 18 counts of conspiracy to defraud, pleaded guilty and was convicted and sentenced to 36 months' imprisonment by the District Court today (November 4).
 
     During a previous investigation into a case relating to overstaying former foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) who were taking up unapproved employment in Hong Kong, the Anti-Illegal Migration Agency of the Immigration Department (ImmD) detected a syndicate using false instruments to apply for FDH working visas. Upon intelligence analysis, investigators identified the target person and mounted a series of operations from May to July 2023. During the operations, over 60 persons were arrested. Under caution, the Filipino male (defendant) admitted, for the purpose of receiving a monetary reward, to have conspired with others to obtain FDH visas to work in Hong Kong illegally through the use of false residential and financial proof, as well as false FDH contracts. The defendant, later charged with conspiracy to defraud, pleaded guilty and was convicted and sentenced to 36 months' imprisonment by the District Court today.
 
     Twenty-six other arrested persons were also convicted earlier for offences such as conspiracy to defraud and making false representation to an immigration officer, and were sentenced to up to 15 months' imprisonment. More suspects could be arrested and prosecuted as the investigation is continuing.
 
     "It is an offence to make a false representation to an immigration officer. Offenders are liable to prosecution and to a maximum fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years. In addition, anyone who commits the offence of conspiracy to defraud is liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for 14 years. Furthermore, it is an offence to make, possess or use false instruments. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment," an ImmD spokesman said.
 
     The spokesman warned, "As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining in any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years' imprisonment."
 

Ends/Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:27

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