Man jailed for conspiracy to defraud
A 76-year-old man charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud was convicted and sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment by Shatin Magistrates' Courts yesterday (March 18).
The Outside Investigation Section of the Immigration Department (ImmD) through intelligence analysis suspected the defendant had contracted a bogus marriage for obtaining residence status in Hong Kong. After a comprehensive investigation, the defendant was found to have conspired with his Mainland resident son and married his former sister-in-law, a Hong Kong resident, in 2011 under the arrangement of his son. By virtue of the marital relationship, the defendant and his son settled in Hong Kong and obtained residence status in Hong Kong in 2017 and 2021 respectively. The defendant divorced his bogus spouse after settling in Hong Kong.
The defendant was subsequently arrested by the ImmD and charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud. After trial, the defendant was convicted and sentenced to 18 months' imprisonment yesterday. The investigation of other suspects is still underway, and the ImmD does not rule out the possibility of further arrests.
"The ImmD has been very concerned about non-Hong Kong residents staying in Hong Kong by means of a marriage of convenience, and will continue to spare no effort in combating the related illicit activities. For people who have obtained their residence in Hong Kong by fraudulent means, their Hong Kong identity card and residence status will be invalidated according to the laws of Hong Kong. They will also be subject to removal back to their place of origin," the ImmD spokesman stressed.
"According to the Immigration Ordinance, any person who makes any statement or representation which he knows to be false or does not believe to be true to immigration officers commits an offence. Offenders are liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, face a maximum fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and the same penalties. Moreover, according to the Crimes Ordinance, anyone who commits the offence of conspiracy to defraud is liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for 14 years," the ImmD spokesman warned.
Source: AI-found images
Hong Kong Flower Show to open tomorrow at Victoria Park
The Hong Kong Flower Show 2026 (HKFS) will be held at Victoria Park from tomorrow (March 20) until March 29, running from 9am to 9pm daily. This year's flower show features stock as the theme flower, under the theme "A Fragrant Journey through Hong Kong".
Stock is richly fragrant and comes in a dazzling array of colours. This year's three-dimensional (3D) theme flower floral wall features five giant stocks, each composed of more than 30 3D flowers, and is set off with over 6 000 orchids, myosotis and other floral materials. In front of the wall is an expansive display of more than 14 000 tulips in different colours, which complements the 3D stock installation, creating a spectacular visual effect and making it an ideal photo spot for visitors.
Along the showground axis, a number of large-scale landscape installations have been created, all themed around distinctive features of Hong Kong. Known as a paradise for food lovers, Hong Kong is celebrated for its vibrant culinary scene. The garden, "A Taste of Hong Kong", blends classic local delicacies, such as bamboo steamers of dim sum, egg tarts, pineapple buns with butter and milk tea, into a floral display in which stocks bring the dominant tone, creating a delightful tableau where blossoms and food intertwine.
The "Floral Trail of the Island" leads visitors past iconic Hong Kong Island landmarks and scenes, including the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, the Bank of China Tower, and the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance. Meanwhile, "Kowloon Silhouettes in Bloom" showcases facets of Kowloon that evoke collective memories for Hong Kong people, featuring scenes inspired by the Kowloon Walled City, Choi Hung Estate, Goldfish Street, and Temple Street.
Beyond city landmarks, the showground axis also highlights another side of Hong Kong beyond its urban image, featuring rural landscapes, natural scenery and outlying island culture. "Urban and Rural Charm" links the distinctive features of Sha Tin, Tai Po and Ping Shan in Yuen Long, incorporating village festive elements, such as the Wishing Tree, Che Kung Temple, and traditions like poon choi and mahjong gatherings, into the garden design. "Landscape Triptych" traces three key areas, namely the Shing Mun River in Sha Tin, the Hong Kong Wetland Park, and the Hong Kong Geopark, to create a connected scenic journey. Meanwhile, "Heritage Journey of the Outlying Islands" spotlights local island traditions and ways of life, including the stilt houses of Tai O and the Cheung Chau Jiao Festival, guiding visitors from the bustling city into a world of mountains and sea to savour Hong Kong's diverse character.
The large-scale landscape installations from Beijing, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Hengqin, Shenzhen, Suzhou and Macao showcase characteristics of different places. In addition, the Development Bureau, Architectural Services Department, Civil Engineering and Development Department, Correctional Services Department, Drainage Services Department, Environmental Protection Department, Highways Department and Housing Department, together with Ocean Park Hong Kong, will also participate in the flower show and present displays of unique features.
To tie in with this year's theme, the HKFS is collaborating for the first time with the Joyful Miniature Association to present a miniature exhibition at the Floral Marquee. Featuring exquisitely crafted miniature scenes, the display showcases local life and culture, including the Mong Kok Flower Market, the Cheung Chau floating colours parade, a bamboo shed theatre, and the Temple Street night market, inviting visitors to appreciate miniature depictions of Hong Kong's classic landmarks and everyday streetscapes.
This year's flower show introduces a range of new family-friendly activities. The Ponies Photo Booth will be held on March 21 and 28 from 1pm to 5pm at the Central Lawn, where visitors can take photos with Shetland ponies. Several government mascots are also invited to interact with visitors and take photos on March 21 from 2.30pm to 5pm. In addition, the Central Lawn will feature several colourful Easter egg and bunny-themed installations, which serve as photo spots for visitors.
The flower show also showcases a rich profusion of potted plants, floral arrangements, and landscape displays by local, the Chinese Mainland and overseas organisations. There will also be fast food stalls, beverage stalls and commercial stalls selling flowers and other horticultural products. A vast range of educational and recreational fringe activities, such as floral arrangement demonstrations, gardening lectures, music and cultural performances, and busking performances will be offered for visitors.
A total of 236 organisations are participating in this year's flower show, including 81 exhibitors from 10 countries and regions.
For details of the flower show and admission fee arrangement, please visit www.hkflowershow.hk/en/hkfs/2026/index.html or call the enquiry hotline at 2601 8260.
The HKFS is organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust has supported the flower show since 2013, and has been its major sponsor since 2014.
Hong Kong Flower Show to open tomorrow at Victoria Park Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Flower Show to open tomorrow at Victoria Park Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Flower Show to open tomorrow at Victoria Park Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Flower Show to open tomorrow at Victoria Park Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Flower Show to open tomorrow at Victoria Park Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Flower Show to open tomorrow at Victoria Park Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Flower Show to open tomorrow at Victoria Park Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
