Senior Personnel Arrangement for National Security Department of Hong Kong Police Force

Senior Personnel Arrangement for National Security Department of Hong Kong Police Force

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, pursuant to Article 16(2) of the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the National Security Law), today (September 22) appointed Mr Kong Hok-lai as the head of the department for safeguarding national security of the Hong Kong Police Force upon the retirement of Deputy Commissioner of Police (National Security), Mr Kan Kai-yan. Mr Kong’s appointment took effect today, and he took the oath of office on the same day.

Mr Lee said, “Mr Kong has been with the Hong Kong Police Force for three decades, and serving in the National Security Department since the promulgation and implementation of the National Security Law. He has demonstrated outstanding performance, an exemplary commitment to serve, and exceptional leadership with a high awareness of national security. He is steadfast and courageous, and remains resolute in safeguarding national security. I recognise his work and have confidence that he will take on more responsibilities in his new position and make greater contributions to safeguarding national security.”

The National Security Law stipulates that the Hong Kong Police Force of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall establish a department for safeguarding national security with law enforcement capacity. The head of the department for safeguarding national security of the Hong Kong Police Force shall be appointed by the Chief Executive. The Chief Executive shall seek in writing the opinion of the Office established under Article 48 of the National Security Law, i.e. the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, before making the appointment.

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (right), is pictured with the Deputy Commissioner of Police (National Security), Mr Kong Hok-lai (left), today (September 22). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Deputy Commissioner of Police (National Security), Mr Kong Hok-lai (left), takes the oath of office, witnessed by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee (right), today (September 22). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects case of non-registered precious metals and stones dealer carrying out specified transactions

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (September 21) detected a case involving a local company that conducted transactions of pearls and jewellery containing pearls valued at over HK$120,000, without registration under the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime. An investigation is ongoing.

According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), unless exempted, any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with Hong Kong Customs. Any dealer, other than a registrant, who claims to be a registrant, claims to be authorised to carry out, or carries out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 is liable to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

Customs reminds dealers in precious metals and stones that they must obtain the relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000.

For the forms, procedures and guidelines to submit applications for registration, please visit the website for Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System (www.drs.customs.gov.hk) or Customs' webpage (www.customs.gov.hk/en/service-enforcement-information/anti-money-laundering/supervision-of-dealers-in-precious-metals-and-ston/index.html).

Members of the public may report any suspected transactions involving precious metals and stones with a total value at or above HK$120,000 conducted without the required registration 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, Photo source: reference image