Two Passengers Sentenced for Smuggling Duty-Not-Paid Cigarettes in Hong Kong

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

Two incoming passengers were each sentenced to two months' imprisonment with a fine of $2,000 by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts today (January 14) for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted a 67-year-old incoming female passenger on January 2 at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point and seized 581 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $2,300 and a duty potential of about $1,900, found on her. She was subsequently arrested.

In addition, Customs officers intercepted a 66-year-old incoming male passenger at the same control point on January 4, and seized 421 sticks of duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $1,700 and a duty potential of about $1,300, found on him. He was subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

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

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

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

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

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

Scam alert related to banks

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) wishes to alert members of the public to the press releases issued by the banks listed below relating to fraudulent websites, internet banking login screens, phishing emails or other scams, which have been reported to the HKMA. Hyperlinks to the press releases are available on theHKMA website.

Bank

Type of scam

The Bank of East Asia, Limited

Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens

Shanghai Commercial Bank Limited

Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens

Chong Hing Bank Limited

Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens

OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited

Fraudulent websites and internet banking login screens

Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited

Fraudulent mobile application (App)

Bank Julius Baer & Co. Ltd.

Fraudulent website

The HKMA wishes to remind the public that banks will not send SMS or emails with embedded hyperlinks which direct them to the banks' websites to carry out transactions. They will not ask customers for sensitive information, such as login passwords or one-time password, by phone, email or SMS (including via embedded hyperlinks).

Anyone who has provided his or her personal information, or who has conducted any financial transactions, through or in response to the scams concerned, should contact the relevant bank with the information provided in the corresponding press release, and report the matter to the Crime Wing Information Centre of the Hong Kong Police Force at 2860 5012.

Source: AI-found images