Hong Kong Customs Seizes $10 Million in Suspected Smuggling Case Involving Ocean-Going Vessel

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled goods worth about $10 million

Hong Kong Customs detected a suspected smuggling case involving an ocean-going vessel on March 16. A batch of suspected smuggled goods with an estimated market value of about $10 million was seized.

Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs discovered that criminals intended to use ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods. Enforcement operations were thus formulated, with a suspicious container scheduled to depart from Hong Kong to Singapore via an ocean-going vessel being selected for inspection.

Customs inspected the abovementioned container that was declared as carrying two private cars and 240 pieces of electronic products on March 16. Upon examinations, Customs officers found a large batch of suspected smuggled goods, including refrigerators, tablets, mobile phones, and clothing, in the container. Additionally, the quantity of electronic products seized exceeded the declared quantity.

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

Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs 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 disrupt relevant 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).

Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled goods worth about $10 million Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO showcases Hong Kong cinema in Copenhagen

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London (London ETO) supported the Denmark Asian Cultural Association (DACA) in presenting the "Copenhagen Hong Kong Focus Film Festival", held in Copenhagen, Denmark from January 8 to 10 (Copenhagen time).

An opening reception was held on January 8, prior to the screening of "Four Trails", marking the launch of the film festival. The event was attended by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of Denmark, Mr Wang Xuefeng, as along with over 50 guests from the local cultural and business sectors.

The Director-General of the London ETO, Miss Fiona Chau, delivered the opening speech virtually. She congratulated the DACA on bringing the best of Hong Kong cinema to audiences in Copenhagen, and holding the film festival for the second year.

Miss Chau said, "The opening film 'Four Trails' is a documentary that not only captures the breathtaking beauty of Hong Kong's natural landscape, but also the indomitable spirit of those who dare to challenge it. With Hong Kong's vision of becoming an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, the festival showcases the diverse talents of Hong Kong's film industry."

The three-day film festival featured three Hong Kong films: "Four Trails", "My First of May" and "Last Song for You".

London ETO showcases Hong Kong cinema in Copenhagen Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO showcases Hong Kong cinema in Copenhagen Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

London ETO showcases Hong Kong cinema in Copenhagen Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases