Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected smuggled goods worth about $12 million
Hong Kong Customs detected two suspected smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels on June 13. A large batch of suspected smuggled goods with an estimated market value of about $12 million was seized.
Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs discovered that criminals intended to use ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods. Enforcement operations were thus formulated, with two suspicious containers scheduled to depart from Hong Kong to Kenya via ocean-going vessels being selected for inspection.
Upon examination, Customs officers found in the abovementioned containers, both declared as carrying private cars and car components, a large batch of suspected smuggled goods, including tablets, electronic appliances and household goods.
An investigation is ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.
Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities on all fronts. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to resolutely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to disrupt relevant crimes.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling 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).
Hong Kong Customs detected two suspected smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels on June 13. A large batch of suspected smuggled goods with an estimated market value of about $12 million was seized. Photo shows some of the suspected smuggled goods seized. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy hosts first webinar to foster international exchanges
The following is issued on behalf of the Office of The Ombudsman:
Since its establishment in August last year, the Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy (HKIOA) under the Office of The Ombudsman has been actively providing government departments and public organisations with training to promote a positive complaint culture. Through a variety of interactive platforms, it also fosters collaboration and exchanges among local, Mainland and international counterparts. Proactively aligning with the National 15th Five-Year Plan, the HKIOA advocates good governance and maladministration prevention, telling the world the good stories of Hong Kong by leveraging the strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world. Its first international webinar held yesterday (June 24) under the theme "From Grievance to Governance: Ombudsmanship as Pillars of the Global Community" was attended by more than 200 public officers, including representatives from ombudsman institutions in over 30 countries and regions across five continents, along with local representatives from government departments and public organisations.
The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, said in his opening speech at the webinar, "As international partners, it is important that we share experiences from time to time on occasions like this. Our problems and difficulties may be different, but together, we can inspire each other for better skills and practices. We bring new ideas in living out our supervisory roles. Together, we make each of our cities, provinces and countries a better place to live." Mr Chan also highlighted the notable achievements under the three strategic focuses championed by the Office and its commitment to exercising statutory powers to speak up for vulnerable groups in society, ease everyday hardships and enhance overall governance standards.
The webinar featured the Chief Ombudsman of Thailand, Mr Songsak Saicheua, and the Provincial Ombudsman for the Province of Sindh, Pakistan, Mr Muhammad Sohail Rajput, as keynote speakers. They shared professional insights into advancing public administration ideals and handling public complaints. Following their presentations, the Hong Kong Office's Assistant Ombudsmen Mr Kenny Tang and Ms Sally Kan joined the webinar to share how the Office effectively uses mediation to handle complaints and plays its supervisory role through conducting direct investigations operations and making improvement recommendations. They also explored the strategies and experience in overseeing public administration and improving people's livelihood.
The webinar also served as a platform for members of the International Ombudsman Institute and the Asian Ombudsman Association to share knowledge and experiences. It attracted broad participation, bringing together representatives from ombudsman institutions including Thailand, Japan, Pakistan, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa, Türkiye, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium and Uzbekistan.
Over the past year, the HKIOA has organised seminars and exchange activities for government departments, public organisations, Mainland counterparts and academic entities, as well as District Council members. Through a wide range of programmes and platforms, it has reached out to more than 60 700 youngsters, vigorously advocating a positive complaint culture. Looking ahead, the HKIOA will continue to strengthen collaboration and exchanges with local, Mainland and international peers, leveraging its strengths and unique position to expand diverse channels and foster sustainable development and innovation within the ombudsman system.
Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy hosts first webinar to foster international exchanges Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy hosts first webinar to foster international exchanges Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy hosts first webinar to foster international exchanges Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong International Ombudsman Academy hosts first webinar to foster international exchanges Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
