Exclusive: hong kong customs busts unregistered dealer in illegal precious metals trade
âHong Kong Customs yesterday (May 28) detected a case which involved a local company that conducted diamond transactions with total value of each transaction exceeding HK$120,000 without a registration under the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime. Two persons suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.
An investigation is ongoing. The two persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.
According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), the Regime came into effect on April 1, 2023. Any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones in Hong Kong and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with the Commissioner of Customs and Excise. Any dealer, other than a registrant, claims to be a registrant, claims to be authorised to carry out, or carries out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with total a value at or above HK$120,000 is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for six months.
Hong Kong Customs reminds all dealers in precious metals and stones that the transitional period for registration under the Regime has ended. Any dealer who submits their applications for registration from January 1, 2024, onwards must successfully obtain the relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above $120,000.
For the forms, procedures and guidelines to submit applications for registration, please visit the website for Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System (www.drs.customs.gov.hk) or Hong Kong Customs' webpage (www.customs.gov.hk/en/service-enforcement-information/anti-money-laundering/supervision-of-dealers-in-precious-metals-and-ston/index.html).
Members of the public may report any suspected transactions involving precious metals and stones with a total value at or above HK$120,000 conducted without the required registration to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Source: AI-generated images
Hong Kong cinema in spotlight at 25th New York Asian Film Festival
Hong Kong cinema is the undisputed star at this year's 25th New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF), where a record 17 films will be screened under the "Hong Kong Panorama" banner, presented with the support from the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) from July 10 to 26 (New York time).
The centrepiece event was the presentation of the NYAFF's Best from the East Award to actor Daniel Wu on July 20 (New York time), ahead of the special screening of "Cold War 1994", honouring a career that began in Hong Kong cinema before extending into Hollywood, television and the director's chair, and bringing with him the discipline, physicality and storytelling instinct for which Hong Kong film is known.
The New York ETO hosted a special reception for Wu and other attending Hong Kong film talents before the award presentation. Speaking at the reception, Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, congratulated Wu for his contributions to Asian cinema and bringing Hong Kong storytelling sensibility through his work across film and television globally.
Ms Ho also highlighted the deep ties between Hong Kong cinema and the NYAFF, noting that Hong Kong films have been a part of the festival's identity since its earliest editions. The New York ETO has supported the festival's "Hong Kong Panorama" since 2009, introducing New York audiences to the actors, directors and screenwriters shaping Hong Kong cinema.
This year's Hong Kong Panorama builds on that legacy, showcasing five North American premieres, alongside numerous special screenings and events, with a number of Hong Kong film talents attending the festival. Ms Ho said the expanded lineup reflects both the creative vitality of Hong Kong's film industry and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government's continued commitment to supporting that industry on the world stage.
Several of this year's films received support and funding from the HKSAR Government, including "Afterpiece" (financed through the Directors' Succession Scheme that pairs seasoned filmmakers with emerging directors), "Bird of Paradise" (a winning film project in the higher education institution group of the 7th First Feature Film Initiative (FFFI)), "Dog Day Evening" (financed by the Film Production Financing Scheme (Relaxation Plan)), and "Gamer Girls" (winning film project in the Higher Education Institution Group of the 6th FFFI).
Hong Kong actress Angela Yuen will receive the NYAFF's Screen International Rising Star Asia Award on July 21 (New York time), underscoring Hong Kong's strong pipeline of talent with international reach. Ms Ho congratulated Yuen for her outstanding performances on screen and on seeing her hard work and talent celebrated in New York.
This year's NYAFF's 2026 Filmmaker in Focus took audiences inside one of the most influential careers in Hong Kong cinema – the prolific and versatile director, Andrew Lau, who reflected on the craft, innovation and lasting impact of his incredible library of works, including NYAFF 2026 featured films "The Storm Riders", "Initial D" and his acclaimed new feature, "The Dumpling Queen".
In addition to Lau, Wu and Yuen, other Hong Kong filmmakers attending this year's NYAFF include actor Yukki Tai; actress Ng Wing-sze; screenwriter Annabelle Li; and directors Veronica Bassetto; Frankie Chung; Pang Ho-cheung, Keane T. K. Wong; Joey Wu; and Phillip Yung.
Hong Kong cinema in spotlight at 25th New York Asian Film Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong cinema in spotlight at 25th New York Asian Film Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong cinema in spotlight at 25th New York Asian Film Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong cinema in spotlight at 25th New York Asian Film Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong cinema in spotlight at 25th New York Asian Film Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong cinema in spotlight at 25th New York Asian Film Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong cinema in spotlight at 25th New York Asian Film Festival Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Source: AI-found images
