Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes
An incoming passenger was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment and fined $2,000 by the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (August 10) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
Customs officers intercepted an incoming Mainland male passenger, aged 23, at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (August 9) and seized 62 400 duty-not-paid cigarettes with an estimated market value of about $312,000 and a duty potential of about $206,000, from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has 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 passenger convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKMA and DFSA to co-host third Climate Finance Conference to drive transition in changing world
The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) announced today (August 10) that the third edition of the HKMA-DFSA Joint Climate Finance Conference will take place on September 10 inHong Kong.
The conference is a flagship initiative jointly established by the HKMA and the DFSA to support and enable the continued development of climate finance acrossAsia and the Middle East. Themed "Driving Transition in a Changing World", this year's conference will also be a main event of theHong Kong Green Week 2026.
Supported by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited and Nasdaq Dubai, the conference will convene corporate leaders, investors and policymakers to explore partnerships, financing solutions and innovations required to support aviable and credible green transitionamid global uncertainty. Discussions will focus on the emerging and strategic sectors in Hong Kong and Dubai. Featuring keynote addresses, fireside chats, enlightening talks and panel discussions, the conference will also highlight how the two international financial centres can serve as catalysts of transition finance.
The Chief Executive of the HKMA, MrEddie Yue,said, "As global uncertainty challenges green transition, leading sustainable finance hubs like Hong Kong and Dubai must align to drive capital towards real-world solutions. We are excited to facilitate the cross-regional dialogue, and look forward to moving beyond discussion to unlock tangible business and investment opportunities."
The Chief Executive of the DFSA, MrMark Steward,said, "This conference reflects the strong partnership between the DFSA and the HKMA, providing a valuable platform to exchange perspectives, strengthen cross-border collaboration, and support the continued development of sustainable finance across our regions."
Details of the conference can be foundhere.
About HKMA
The HKMA is Hong Kong's central banking institution. The HKMA's main functions are: (i) maintaining currency stability within the framework of the Linked Exchange Rate System; (ii) promoting the stability and integrity of the financial system, including the banking system; (iii) helping to maintain Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre, including the maintenance and development of Hong Kong's financial infrastructure; and (iv) managing the Exchange Fund.
About DFSA
The DFSA is the independent regulator of financial services conducted in and from the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a purpose-built financial free zone in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. The DFSA regulates and supervises financial services firms and markets in the DIFC. These include asset managers, banks, custody and trust services, commodities futures traders, fund managers, insurers and reinsurers, traders of securities and fintech firms. The DFSA is also responsible for the registration and oversight of Registered Auditors and Audit Principals in the DIFC, including their continuing compliance with registration criteria and conduct of audits of Public Listed Companies, Authorised Firms, Authorised Market Institutions and Domestic Funds. We supervise exchanges and trading platforms for both conduct and prudential purposes, overseeing an international securities exchange (Nasdaq Dubai) and an international commodities derivatives exchange (Gulf Mercantile Exchange). The DFSA is also responsible for supervising and enforcing anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism requirements applicable in the DIFC. Please refer to theDFSA's websitefor more information.
About Hong Kong Exchange and Clearing Limited
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) is a publicly-traded company (HKEX Stock Code: 388) and one of the world's leading global exchange groups, offering a range of equity, derivative, commodity, fixed income and other financial markets, products and services, including the London Metal Exchange.
As a super-connector and gateway between East and West, HKEX facilitates the two-way flow of capital, ideas and dialogue between China and the rest of the world, through its pioneering Connect schemes, increasingly diversified product ecosystem and its deep, liquid and international markets.
HKEX is a purpose-led organisation which, across its business and through the work of HKEX Foundation, seeks to connect, promote and progress its markets and the communities it supports for the prosperity of all.
About Nasdaq Dubai
Nasdaq Dubai is the international financial exchange serving the region between Western Europe and East Asia. It welcomes regional as well as global issuers that seek regional and international investment. The exchange currently lists shares, derivatives, Sukuk (Islamic bonds), conventional bonds and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITS). The majority shareholder of Nasdaq Dubai is Dubai Financial Market with a two-thirds stake. Borse Dubai owns one third of the shares. The regulator of Nasdaq Dubai is the DFSA.
About Hong Kong Green Week
The 2026 edition of Hong Kong Green Week, the city's flagship sustainability event, will take place from September 7 to 11. Themed "Future-proofing Sustainable Growth", the week-long programme will feature a variety of events and networking opportunities, bringing together diverse and practical insights across the globe to inspire and drive collective actions towards Asia's sustainable transformation. Visit www.hkgreenweek.hk for more details.
Source: AI-found images
