Immigration Department smashes a cross-boundary syndicate using false instruments to apply entry permits
The Outside Investigation Section of the Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted an operation codenamed "ShadowNet" since April this year and successfully neutralized a cross-boundary syndicate using false instruments to apply entry permits under the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS). A total of 18 persons were arrested, including the syndicate mastermind and its members.
After in-depth investigation and intelligence analysis, the ImmD discovered Mainlanders who were suspected to use false instruments to apply entry permits under the TTPS, and afterwards a cross-boundary syndicate was successfully identified. The syndicate was suspected to arrange Mainlanders to obtain Hong Kong entry permits using false instruments including forged academic qualifications, employment proof, foreign visas and immigration stamps. The syndicate attempted to charge the applicants and their dependants by continuously offering follow-up services, such as producing false local employment and salary records, after they had arrived Hong Kong.
Since April this year, five Hong Kong residents were arrested, including the mastermind and syndicate members, comprising four men and one woman, aged 42 to 56. In addition, 13 Mainlanders were arrested, including seven male and six female, aged from 27 to 47. The Mainlanders were suspected to have applied TTPS through the syndicate using false instruments. The syndicate mastermind and its core members were charged of "aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring the making of a false statement for the purpose of obtaining an entry permit", while the arrested Mainlanders were charged of "causing to be made a false statement for the purpose of obtaining an entry permit".
The syndicate had arranged at least 22 TTPS applications. For each application, including the initial fee and follow-up services, the syndicate could charge up to $2.5 million. The estimated transaction amount involved in the cases is about $55 million. The syndicate members were suspected to have used their personal and company bank accounts to carry out multiple dubious transactions. They were suspected to have committed the offence of "dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence" (commonly known as money laundering). The investigation is still ongoing, and more persons involved in the case may be arrested.
The ImmD will continue to closely scrutinize every visa and entry permit applications and stepping up inspections. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to relevant offences on using false instruments to obtain entry permits. Any applications suspected of violating the Immigration Ordinance will be referred for further investigation. Since June 2024, the ImmD requires all applicants of Categories B and C under the TTPS and the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme to submit verification proof of academic qualifications issued by designated third-party credential verification organisations or the awarding institutions.
Under thelaws of Hong Kong, any person who makes or causes to be made a false statement to an Immigration officer commits an offence. Offenders are liable to prosecution and to a maximum fine of $150,000 and 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.
ImmD reiterates that should any person be found to have obtained their entry permit or residence status in Hong Kong by fraudulent means, such an entry permit or residence status will be declared invalid according to the laws of Hong Kong and they will be subject to criminal liability. They will also be subject to removal back to their place of origin.
ImmD reminds members of the public that money laundering is a serious offence. A person commits the offence of money laundering if he deals with any property, including money, which he knows or has reasonable grounds to believe to be proceeds of indictable offence. Offenders are liable upon conviction to the maximum penalty of a $5 million fine and 14-year imprisonment.
Immigration Department smashes a cross-boundary syndicate using false instruments to apply entry permits Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Immigration Department smashes a cross-boundary syndicate using false instruments to apply entry permits Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (May 21) released the fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in May, covering 12 survey areas, as follows:
District |
Survey Area |
May 2026 |
First Phase Gravidtrap Index |
First Phase Density Index |
Eastern |
Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho |
9.1% |
1.4 |
Islands |
Tung Chung |
2.0% |
1.0 |
Kowloon City |
Hung Hom and To Kwa Wan |
6.7% |
1.5 |
Tai Po |
Tai Po East |
2.2% |
2.0 |
Tai Po West |
15.5% |
1.0 |
Tuen Mun |
Tuen Mun South |
9.1% |
1.4 |
District |
Survey Area |
May 2026 |
Area Gravidtrap Index |
Area Density Index |
Central and Western |
Kennedy Town and Shek Tong Tsui |
16.8% |
1.3 |
Eastern |
Chai Wan |
15.4% |
1.0 |
North Point and Quarry Bay |
18.9% |
1.4 |
Southern |
Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau |
20.8% |
1.7 |
Sha Tin |
Sha Tin Town Centre and Fo Tan |
18.3% |
1.4 |
Tsuen Wan |
Tsuen Wan Town |
6.9% |
2.3 |
The fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May includes First Phase Gravidtrap Indexes covering six survey areas and Area Gravidtrap Indexes covering six survey areas. Among which, six survey areas recorded gravidtrap indexes above 10 per cent, while Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau in Southern District recorded a gravidtrap index above 20 per cent. Meanwhile, the gravidtrap indexes of six survey areas, namely Kennedy Town and Shek Tong Tsui in Central and Western District; North Point and Quarry Bay in Eastern District; Shau Kei Wan and Sai Wan Ho in Eastern District; Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau in Southern District; Tai Po East in Tai Po District; and Tuen Mun South in Tuen Mun District, have recorded a decrease as compared to the indexes recorded in the last survey period, reflecting the progress of relevant mosquito control work.
With reference to the data from the past few years, the gravidtrap indexes start to rise from April or May every year. The actual timing and extent of the rise are affected by factors like weather conditions and rainfall. The average temperature and rainfall recorded in April this year were higher than those in the same period last year, creating favourable conditions for mosquito growth and breeding. As a result, the rise in gravidtrap indexes occurred earlier this year. With the increase in rainfall in May, the gravidtrap indexes are expected to rise further.
For survey areas which recorded indexes exceeding 10 per cent, in accordance with the mechanism implemented by the FEHD in response to the chikungunya fever (CF) situation (i.e. strengthening mosquito control work in areas with a gravidtrap index between 10 per cent and 20 per cent, instead of 20 per cent or above under the original mechanism), the FEHD is collaborating with relevant departments and stakeholders to identify locations with high mosquito infestations and carry out intensive and targeted mosquito control measures. The FEHD has initiated two prosecutions against the relevant construction site contractors following the discovery of mosquito breeding at construction sites in Tai Po District and Southern District. Moreover, following the discovery of stagnant water or stagnant water containers in a park, a construction site, a private housing estate, a clinic and a private premises in Tai Po District, Central and Western District, as well as Southern District, the FEHD has issued five statutory notices to the responsible persons-in-charge, requiring the clearance of such items within a specified timeframe. The FEHD, the relevant departments and stakeholders are following up on the mosquito control work, and will also organise exhibitions, distribute leaflets and posters, and notify residential estates that have subscribed to the gravidtrap Rapid Alert System, advising property management agents and residents to stay vigilant and work together in taking mosquito prevention and elimination measures. In addition, the FEHD will strengthen the monitoring of the gravidtrap index in the areas to review the effectiveness of the mosquito control work.
Public participation is crucial to the effective control of mosquito problems. The FEHD appeals to members of the public to continue to work together in strengthening personal mosquito control measures, including:
tidy up their premises and check for any accumulation of water inside the premises;
remove all unnecessary water collections and eliminate the sources;
check household items (those placed in outdoor and open areas in particular), such as refuse containers, vases, air conditioner drip trays, and laundry racks to prevent stagnant water;
change water in flower vases and scrub their inner surfaces thoroughly, and remove water in saucers under potted plants at least once a week;
properly cover all containers that hold water to prevent mosquitoes from accessing the water;
properly dispose of articles that can contain water, such as disposable meal boxes and empty cans; and
scrub drains and surface sewers with alkaline detergent at least once a week to remove any mosquito eggs.
Starting in August 2025, following the completion of the surveillance of individual survey areas, and once the latest gravidtrap index and the density index are available, the FEHD has been disseminating relevant information through press releases, its website and social media. It aims to allow members of the public to quickly grasp the mosquito infestation situation and strengthen mosquito control efforts, thereby reducing the risk of CF transmission.
Following recommendations from the World Health Organization and taking into account the local situation in Hong Kong, the FEHD sets up gravidtraps in districts where mosquito-borne diseases have been recorded in the past, as well as in densely populated places such as housing estates, hospitals and schools to monitor the breeding and distribution of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which can transmit CF and dengue fever. At present, the FEHD has set up gravidtraps in 62 survey areas of the community, with a surveillance period of two weeks. During the surveillance period, the FEHD will collect the gravidtraps once a week. After the first week of surveillance, the FEHD will immediately examine the glue boards inside the retrieved gravidtraps for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes to compile the Gravidtrap Index (First Phase) and Density Index (First Phase). At the end of the second week of surveillance, the FEHD will instantly check the glue boards for the presence of adult Aedine mosquitoes. Data from the two weeks of surveillance will be combined to obtain the Area Gravidtrap Index and the Area Density Index. The gravidtrap and density indexes for Aedes albopictus in different survey areas, as well as information on mosquito prevention and control measures, are available on the department's webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/pestcontrol/dengue_fever/Dengue_Fever_Gravidtrap_Index_Update.html#).
FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
FEHD releases fourth batch of gravidtrap indexes for Aedes albopictus in May Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
