Hong Kong Customs detects case of non-registered precious metals and stones dealer carrying out specified transactions
Hong Kong Customs yesterday (June 12) detected a case involving a local partnership that conducted ruby and sapphire transactions valued at over HK$120,000, without registration under the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime. A partner was arrested.
The investigation is ongoing. The arrested person has 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, who claims to be a registrant, claims to be authorised to carry out, or carries out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 is liable to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.
Customs reminds dealers in precious metals and stones that they must obtain the relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$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 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 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Land Registry releases statistics for December 2025
The Land Registry today (January 5) released its statistics for December 2025.
Land registration
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* The number of sale and purchase agreements for all building units received for registration in December was 8 999 (+26.4 per cent compared with November 2025 and +63.3 per cent compared with December 2024)
* The 12-month moving average for December was 6 725 (4.5 per cent above the 12-month moving average for November 2025 and 18.7 per cent above that for December 2024)
* The total consideration for sale and purchase agreements of building units in December was $65.0 billion (+11.3 per cent compared with November 2025 and +52.0 per cent compared with December 2024)
* Among the sale and purchase agreements, 5 883 were for residential units (+5.3 per cent compared with November 2025 and +43.4 per cent compared with December 2024)
* The total consideration for sale and purchase agreements in respect of residential units was $51.2 billion (-0.9 per cent compared with November 2025 but +57.3 per cent compared with December 2024)
Statistics on sales of residential units do not include sale and purchase agreements relating to sales of units under the Home Ownership Scheme, the Private Sector Participation Scheme, the Tenants Purchase Scheme, etc, unless the premium of the unit concerned has been paid after the sale restriction period.
Figures on sale and purchase agreements received for the past 12 months, the year-on-year rate of change and breakdown figures on residential sales have also been released.
As deeds may not be lodged with the Land Registry until up to 30 days after the transaction, these statistics generally relate to land transactions in the previous month.
Land search
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* The number of searches of land registers made by the public in December was 377 908 (-2.0 per cent compared with November 2025 but +15.6 per cent compared with December 2024)
The statistics cover searches made at the counter, through the self-service terminals and via the Integrated Registration Information System Online Services.
The Land Registry, Photo source: reference image
