Man Sentenced to Eight Months for Smuggling $590,000 in Duty-Not-Paid Cigarettes in Hong Kong.

One man convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes

A 58-year-old man was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (May 30) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare it to Customs Officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

On June 17, 2024, Hong Kong Customs and the Hong Kong Police Force mounted joint anti-smuggling operations at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port. Through risk assessment and intelligence analysis, officers of Customs and the Police intercepted an inbound private car at the HZMB Hong Kong Port on that day. Upon inspection, Customs officers seized 130 600 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes from the front and rear passenger seats and the boot of the vehicle. The 58-year-old male driver was subsequently arrested and the private car was also seized. The estimated market value of the cigarettes seized in the case was about $590,000 and the duty potential was about $430,000.

Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

Customs will continue to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities with firm enforcement action.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette 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).

One man convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

One man convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

One man convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes 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