Hong Kong Customs Wins Two UNEP Awards for Environmental Enforcement Excellence

Hong Kong Customs receives two awards from United Nations Environment Programme for outstanding enforcement efforts

Hong Kong Customs on October 17 received two accolades at the virtual award ceremony for the 2024-2025 Asia Environmental Enforcement Recognition of Excellence (AEEE) organised by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The accolades include the "Impact" Award and the "Collaboration" Award that was jointly shared with the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of Shanghai Customs. The Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat, and the Deputy Commissioner of Customs and Excise (Control and Enforcement), Mr Mark Woo, received the awards on behalf of the department.

The AEEE, established by the UNEP, is conferred upon institutions and individuals that demonstrate excellent contributions to tackling transboundary environmental crimes across Asia. It is authoritative and recognised in the area of international environmental enforcement.

The "Impact" Award recognises Hong Kong Customs' integration of financial investigations with law enforcement against an endangered species case in July 2022, which demonstrates significant enforcement effectiveness. In its financial investigations related to the case that involved 231 kilogrammes of scheduled live corals, the department discovered substantial suspicious transactions involving $6.7 million of laundered proceeds, ultimately leading to a landmark conviction under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance, with an offender sentenced to 40 months' imprisonment.

In his remarks, Mr Chan affirmed the department's commitment to environmental protection and its important role in safeguarding biodiversity. He emphasised that environmental enforcement was not just about interception but also about protection, prevention, and partnership. He highlighted the need for continued innovation and regional co-operation in countering the increasingly sophisticated trafficking networks.

The "Collaboration" Award celebrates the success of Operation "Secure Harbour 2024-2025", a joint initiative launched in 2024 with the Anti-smuggling Bureau of Shanghai Customs. The operation led to the interception of nearly 9 tonnes of scheduled shark products shipped from Hong Kong to Shanghai and the arrest of seven suspects on the Chinese Mainland, dismantling a large-scale smuggling syndicate.

While expressing gratitude to the UNEP for its recognition, Mr Woo pointed out that the joint operation was not merely law enforcement, but also a shared mission between the departments of the two places to protect endangered species and uphold the rule of law. He added that the honour will inspire the department to overcome future challenges and carry on its enforcement work.

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Hong Kong Customs will continue to liaise and work closely with other law enforcement agencies and step up enforcement work in combating the illegal trade in endangered species.

Hong Kong Customs receives two awards from United Nations Environment Programme for outstanding enforcement efforts Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs receives two awards from United Nations Environment Programme for outstanding enforcement efforts Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes

An incoming passenger was sentenced to 29 days of imprisonment by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (May 23) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted the incoming 58-year-old male passenger at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point yesterday (May 22) and seized 1 981 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes from him. The estimated market value of the seized cigarettes was about $8,100, and the duty potential was about $6,500. He was subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentence, noting that even a first-time offender may still be imprisoned. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Members of the public should not defy the law.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes 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 $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

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).

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases