Hong Kong Customs Arrests Director for Unregistered Watch Transactions Over HK$120,000

Hong Kong Customs detects case of non-registered precious metals and stones dealer carrying out specified transactions

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (December 18) detected a case involving a local company that conducted transactions of watches valued at over HK$120,000, without registration under the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime. The company director was arrested.

An investigation is ongoing. The arrested person has been released on bail.

According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), unless exempted, any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones 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 Hong Kong Customs. 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/).

Source: AI-found images

Appointments to Rehabilitation Advisory Committee announced

The Government announced today (December 19) the reappointment of the Chairman, the Vice-chairman and 19 incumbent members, as well as the appointment of two new members, namely Mr Terry Lai Ka-wai and Mr Victor Yuen Yui-ching, to the Rehabilitation Advisory Committee (RAC). Their appointments will take effect from January 1, 2026, for a term of two years.

The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, said, "The RAC has been playing an important role in advising the Government on the development of Hong Kong's rehabilitation services. Members reappointed and newly appointed come from diverse backgrounds, including representatives of persons with disabilities and carers to better gauge their needs. I look forward to members' valuable advice on rehabilitation services, with a view to strengthening support for persons with disabilities and building a caring and inclusive community."

The membership list of the RAC with effect from January 1, 2026, is as follows:

Chairman

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Mr Fung Pak-yan

Vice-chairman

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Dr Kevin Lau Kin-wah

Non-official members

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Mr Arthur Cheung Man-to

Mr Thomas Chu Sai-ming

Ms Jody Kwok Fu-yung

Mr Terry Lai Ka-wai

Mr Raymond Lai Kwan-ho

Dr Freddy Lam Man-hin

Mr Lam Yiu-kwok

Mr Lau Min

Ms Lee Po-chun

Mr Dannuel Leung Po-chung

Ms Leung Tsui-han

Ms Reginia Leung Wun-kam

Ms Perina Li Siu-fan

Dr Lui Wai-cheung

Professor Ming Wai-kit

Mr Alvin Miu

Ms Ada Ng Ka-lai

Mr Eddie Suen Kwok-tung

Mr Sze Yan-kit

Ms Mandy Tang Hoi-man

Professor Frances Wong Kam-yuet

Dr Ryan Wong Man-yeung

Mr Wong Yu-tung

Dr Woo Chi-wood

Ms Julia Yan Yuming

Ms Yang Elizabeth Ling

Mr Nelson Yip Siu-hong

Mr Victor Yuen Yui-ching

Ex-officio members

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Secretary for Education or representative

Director of Health or representative

Director of Social Welfare or representative

Chief Executive, Hospital Authority or representative

Commissioner for Rehabilitation, Labour and Welfare Bureau

Source: AI-found images