Two incoming air passengers convicted and jailed for importing and dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes
Two incoming air passengers were each sentenced to five months' imprisonment by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on July 4 for importing and dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) (Cap. 109). One of them was also fined $1,000.
Hong Kong Customs has been mounting a special enforcement operation to combat illicit cigarette smuggling activities involving air passengers. The two incoming Mainland male passengers aged 22 and 28, arriving in Hong Kong from Osaka, Japan, were arrested at Hong Kong International Airport on June 24. A total of about 71 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes and 16 kilograms manufactured tobacco, with an estimated market value of about $420,000 and a duty potential of about $300,000, were seized from their personal baggage.
Customs welcomes the sentences. The custodial sentences have imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflect the seriousness of the offences.
Customs reminds members of the public and travellers that under the DCO, anyone involved in importing, dealing with, possession of, selling or buying 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, its dedicated crime-reporting email account(crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Two incoming air passengers were each sentenced to five months' imprisonment by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on July 4 for importing and dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109). One of them was also fined $1,000. Photo shows the illicit cigarettes and manufactured tobacco seized from the personal baggage of one of the incoming air passengers. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Two incoming air passengers were each sentenced to five months' imprisonment by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts on July 4 for importing and dealing with duty-not-paid cigarettes, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109). One of them was also fined $1,000. Photo shows the illicit cigarettes seized from the personal baggage of one of the incoming air passengers. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Cyber Attack and Defence Elite Training cum Tournament 2026 successfully concludes
The three-day Cyber Attack and Defence Elite Training cum Tournament 2026, jointly organised by the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) of the Hong Kong Police Force, the Digital Policy Office (DPO), the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited, and the Hong Kong Cyber Security Professionals Association, concluded successfully today (August 26). Featuring cyber attack and defence training, and competition for cyber security practitioners, this event aims to enhance industry readiness and promote cross-sector synergy to fully fortify Hong Kong's cybersecurity.
Tailored specifically for the industry, the training course covers common cyber attacks and defence techniques, and features an agentic artificial intelligence module to help participants understand the latest defence strategies and risk management, while preparing them for cybersecurity safeguarding in upcoming large-scale events. At the same time, the competition also brings together industry and academic elites to compete, comprehensively testing their crisis management and incident response capabilities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief Superintendent of the CSTCB, Mr Lam Cheuk-ho, said that the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to unprecedented cybersecurity risks and governance challenges, especially with criminals utilising AI to launch cyberattacks. Consequently, the industry must adapt dynamically by refining technology governance strategies and proactive defence mechanisms. This training helps enhance the industry's response capabilities and ensure the cybersecurity levels of organisations.
Acting Deputy Commissioner (Digital Infrastructure) of the DPO, Ms Cari Wu, said that cybersecurity serves as the solid cornerstone for advancing the digital economy and smart-city development. To build a robust digital defence line while balancing security and development, talent is an indispensable element. The DPO will continue to work closely with industry partners to establish a comprehensive talent-development ecosystem.
The event successfully attracted over 100 organisations and a total of 200 industry professionals to participate in the attack-and-defence training. The competition also attracted more than 660 teams, involving a total of 1,500 talented participants from industry and academia. It is believed that these efforts will deepen cross-sector collaboration and fully enhance Hong Kong’s overall cybersecurity defence capabilities.
Source: AI-found images
