Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes
An incoming female passenger was sentenced to a total of 14 weeks' imprisonment with a fine of $2,000 by the Fanling Magistrates' Courts on September 8 for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).
Customs officers first intercepted the incoming 49-year-old local female passenger at the Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point on June 11, and seized 1 181 duty-not-paid cigarettes from her baby stroller. The female passenger was subsequently arrested and released on bail. Customs officers intercepted the female passenger again at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point on August 22 and seized 2 941 duty-not-paid cigarettes from her and her personal baggage. The female passenger was subsequently arrested again. A total of 4 122 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated total market value of about $20,000 and a total duty potential of about $13,600, were seized in the two interceptions.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. Members of the public should not defy the law.
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 possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO Berlin promotes Hong Kong as premier gateway for international co-operation at Economic Forum in Karpacz
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Berlin (HKETO Berlin) promoted Hong Kong's unique advantages and business opportunities at the 35th Economic Forum in Karpacz, Poland, from September 8 to 10 (Karpacz time).
The Economic Forum held annually in Karpacz is one of the largest conferences in Central and Eastern Europe, attracting over 6 000 leaders, experts, and decision-makers. The theme of the Forum this year is "Architecture of the New Order - Stability in Times of Change", and there is a dedicated Chinese-Polish Forum. The HKETO Berlin promoted Hong Kong's unique roles and advantages in facilitating investment as well as promoting the Belt and Road Initiative.
Speaking at the panel session of the Forum, the Director of the HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong, outlined Hong Kong's crucial position as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" between the Chinese Mainland and the world. Hong Kong serves as a vital bridge by connecting the Chinese Mainland with global markets through its common law system, free flow of capital, and world-class professional services.
"Global business turns to Hong Kong for wide-ranging, long-term opportunities. Hong Kong is the ideal place for international fundraising, and enterprises can scale up through our financing and professional services. Last year, Hong Kong topped the world in both initial public offering volume and funds raised. Investors and businesses can leverage on Hong Kong's strengths as one of the major hubs for initial public offerings."
Mr Wong added that with significant resources devoted to innovation and technology development over the years, Hong Kong has emerged as an international innovation and technology centre, and a regional powerhouse supporting the development of financial technology, AI, life and health sciences, and advanced manufacturing. He also highlighted Hong Kong's significant role in promoting the Belt and Road Initiative through its extensive network of trade and investment promotion partners.
"Hong Kong is a key node and premier international platform for Belt and Road co-operation between China and Central and Eastern Europe. For Central and Eastern European technology firms, start-ups, and research institutions, Hong Kong offers a dynamic environment for piloting products, raising capital, and forging strategic partnerships that extend across the Chinese Mainland and Asia markets," he said.
About HKETO Berlin
HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Germany as well as Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, the Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Switzerland.
HKETO Berlin promotes Hong Kong as premier gateway for international co-operation at Economic Forum in Karpacz Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO Berlin promotes Hong Kong as premier gateway for international co-operation at Economic Forum in Karpacz Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
