Mainland Student Sentenced to Two-Month Imprisonment for Submitting Fake Academic Qualifications in Hong Kong

2026-10-20 16:50 Last Updated At：17:36

Non-local student jailed for obtaining services by deception

A 20-year-old male Mainland student was charged at the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts with one count of obtaining services by deception and was sentenced to two months' imprisonment today (October 20).

In November 2024, the Immigration Department (ImmD) and the Hong Kong Police Force conducted a joint investigation into a case involving a false academic qualification. The investigation revealed that the defendant was suspected of submitting a false academic certificate of an overseas educational institution to a local post-secondary institution for admission to a higher diploma programme. After obtaining an offer from the local post-secondary institution, the defendant reported the same false academic qualification to the ImmD upon his application for an entry permit to study in Hong Kong, and declared that he had completed a three-year diploma programme in the overseas educational institution.

The defendant exculpated under caution that through the arrangement of an intermediary, he obtained the false academic qualification upon completion of a two-month distance learning programme in the Mainland branch of the said overseas educational institution and he later used the said qualification to enrol in a local higher diploma programme. However, the follow-up investigation revealed that the said overseas educational institution actually did not exist.

The defendant was subsequently charged with one count of obtaining services by deception. He previously pleaded guilty to the charge and was sentenced to two months' imprisonment by the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today.

"Under the laws of Hong Kong, any person who makes or causes to be made a false statement to an Immigration Officer commits an offence. Offenders are liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, subject to the maximum penalty of a fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties. Under the Theft Ordinance, a person who by any deception dishonestly obtains services from another shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable, upon conviction, to the maximum penalty of imprisonment for 10 years," an ImmD spokesman said.

The ImmD urges applicants not to defy the law or be misled into believing that study or residence can be obtained by fraudulent means or false information. The ImmD reiterates that if any person is found to have obtained their student visa/permit or residence status in Hong Kong by fraudulent means, such visa or residence status will be declared invalid according to the laws of Hong Kong, and they will be subject to criminal liability. They will also be subject to removal back to their place of origin.

APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 Begins in Hong Kong, Discussing Economic Cooperation and Financial Resilience.

APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 opens in Hong Kong

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers' Meeting (FMM) 2026 commenced today (October 20) for the first time in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Representatives from the APEC member economies and international organisations gathered for the two-day meeting to discuss key issues including the global and regional macroeconomic and financial outlook, fiscal policy supporting households, digital infrastructure financing, financial access and opportunity for all, and young financial talent dialogue, with a view to strengthening economic and financial co-operation in the Asia-Pacific region.

The Minister of Finance, Mr Lan Fo'an, said at the opening ceremony that a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation is accelerating with breakthroughs, and new development momentum is gathering. As the engine of global economic growth, the Asia-Pacific region bears greater responsibility. All parties should firmly implement the consensus reached at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting and contribute to regional prosperity. First, strengthen macroeconomic policy dialogue and maintain regional economic and financial stability. Given the current highly uncertain international economic environment, all economies should enhance the soundness of their own macroeconomic policies while strengthening policy communication and co-ordination to prevent negative spillover effects from policy adjustments. Second, accelerate economic transformation and enhance economic resilience. All economies should seize the opportunities of digital and green transformation, promote innovative co-operation in areas such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and green and low-carbon development, and cultivate new growth drivers. Third, uphold development as a priority and promote shared prosperity. All economies should deepen practical co-operation in fiscal and financial fields, foster an open regional economic environment, maintain the stability and smooth flow of industrial and supply chains, and advance regional economic integration.

The agenda of the FMM today covered discussions on the global and regional macroeconomic and financial outlook, fiscal policies supporting households, and digital infrastructure financing. Speaking during the discussion sessions, the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said that amid geopolitical tensions and uncertainties over trade policies, Asia-Pacific economies should strengthen co-operation to maintain the smooth flow of trade and investment, while guarding against financial risks and nurturing long-term growth drivers. He noted that economies should step up investment in technology, digital infrastructure and talent training, and promote the wider application of artificial intelligence, enabling small and medium-sized enterprises and the public to share in the benefits of technological advances. On infrastructure development, governments should provide a clear, stable and predictable policy environment and make effective use of public resources. They should also work with the business sector and multilateral development banks, leveraging financing tools such as asset securitisation to channel long-term capital into productive infrastructure projects.

Mr Chan said that Hong Kong would leverage its unique advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle, and make full use of its diverse financing channels and professional services as an international financial centre to serve as a "super connector" and "super value-adder". By connecting capital, technology and projects across the region, Hong Kong would work with other economies to foster more resilient, sustainable and inclusive growth, ensuring that the benefits of development translate into better livelihoods.

In the morning, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) held two thematic seminars on "Fostering a digitalised, inclusive and sustainable supply chain ecosystem through finance" and "Mobilising capital for nature: scaling finance and regional cooperation across APEC" respectively. Delivering welcoming remarks at the seminars, the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said that the seminars have brought together regulators, business leaders and experts from across the Asia-Pacific region to share their practical experience and market insights for meaningful exchanges on ways to unlock new opportunities, strengthen financial resilience, and drive sustainable growth for all. The speakers and attendants of the seminars also held in-depth discussions on the relevant topics.

To allow delegates to further appreciate Hong Kong's cultural heritage and unique charm as an international metropolis, a diverse range of experiential and cultural activities and visits, incorporating elements of Chinese culture and Hong Kong's distinct character, were arranged for members of delegations from participating economies and international organisations, with an aim of telling good stories of both the country and Hong Kong. Members of some participating delegations boarded a sightseeing bus arranged by the meeting organiser yesterday (October 19) evening, to visit the Xiqu Centre and enjoy cultural performances, experiencing first-hand the essence of Chinese culture and the vitality of Hong Kong society.

A series of study visits and tours were arranged for delegates today for members of the delegations from participating economies and international organisations, offering them an opportunity to experience Hong Kong's diverse appeal, where natural and urban landscapes converge and tradition blends with modernity. The itineraries included the Peak, the Chinese Culinary Institute and Ocean Park.

In the evening today, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, and Mr Lan, jointly officiated at a welcome dinner for representatives of the APEC member economies and international organisations.

The FMM will continue tomorrow (October 21).

China is the host of APEC 2026. The FMM, being hosted by the Ministry of Finance and held in Hong Kong under the arrangements and organisation of the HKSAR Government, is a key component among a series of APEC meetings this year. Through the FMM, Hong Kong has demonstrated to participating economies and the international community its comprehensive development across economic, financial, and social sectors, leveraging its distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. The FMM has also deepened co-operation with other APEC members, fully showcasing Hong Kong's role as a "super connector".

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Mainland Student Sentenced to Two-Month Imprisonment for Submitting Fake Academic Qualifications in Hong Kong

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