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
