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
Special traffic and transport arrangements for Mid-Autumn Festival
The Transport Department (TD) today (September 22) reminded the public that the following special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented from September 24 to 26 to facilitate the holding of the festive activities of the Mid-Autumn Festival (September 25). Members of the public should heed the public transport service frequencies and hours for planning their journeys in advance.
Special traffic arrangements
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To facilitate the holding of the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance, road closure and traffic diversion arrangements will be implemented in the vicinity of Tai Hang from September 24 to 26. In addition, road closure and traffic diversion arrangements will be implemented in various parts of Hong Kong Island (including Causeway Bay, The Peak, Aberdeen, Pok Fu Lam, Repulse Bay and Shek O) and in the New Territories (including Tuen Mun, Tsuen Wan and Ma On Shan) on September 25 and 26. Some parking spaces, taxi stands and public light bus stands in the above areas will also be suspended.
Public transport arrangements
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Public transport services on the Mid-Autumn Festival (September 25) will be adjusted as follows:
(i) MTR lines (except the Airport Express, Disneyland Resort Line and the section of East Rail Line to and from Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau stations) will gradually strengthen services from 3pm onwards and extend the service hours to the early hours on September 26;
(ii) 11 Light Rail routes and three MTR bus routes will extend the service hours to the early hours on September 26;
(iii) Tram services will be strengthened subject to passenger demand;
(iv) Four special bus routes (route Nos. 71P, N64P, N272 and 173R) will be operated. Franchised bus companies will also extend the service hours of six bus routes and adjust the frequency/departure time of some routes respectively;
(v) Nine green minibus routes will extend their service hours;
(vi) 44 bus routes and 14 green minibus routes will be diverted and adjust their stop locations temporarily in connection with the road closures and traffic diversion arrangements; and
(vii) Star Ferry, Sun Ferry and Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry will strengthen their ferry services subject to passenger demand.
For details of the special traffic and transport arrangements, members of the public may visit the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk) or its mobile application "HKeMobility". Passengers may also refer to the passenger notices displayed by the relevant public transport operators.
Members of the public are advised to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion and unnecessary delays. The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures when necessary. The Police may adjust the traffic arrangements, subject to the prevailing crowd and traffic conditions in the areas. The public should pay attention to the latest traffic news through radio, television or "HKeMobility".
The Transport Department, Photo source: reference image
