Hong Kong Customs detects three smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels with goods worth about $23.6 million seized
Hong Kong Customs detected three suspected smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels in October. Large batches of suspected smuggled goods with a total estimated market value of about $23.6 million were seized.
Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs discovered that criminals intended to use ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods. Customs thus formulated enforcement operations.
In the first case, three suspicious containers scheduled to depart from Hong Kong to Malaysia via ocean-going vessels were selected for inspection. Upon examination, Customs officers found large batches of suspected smuggled goods, including over 11 000 hair curlers, hair dryers, hair straighteners and hair brushes from the three containers, which were declared as carrying parts of vacuum cleaners.
In the other two cases, two suspicious containers scheduled to depart from Hong Kong to Australia via ocean-going vessels were selected for inspection. Upon examination, Customs officers found large batches of suspected smuggled goods, including about 2.4 million suspected illicit cigarettes, as well as electronic products, household products and cosmetic products from the two containers, which were declared as containing plastic films, mattresses and storage racks; and ceramic ornaments, trolleys and mattresses respectively.
Investigations on the three cases are ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.
Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities at the forefront. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to fiercely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, and carry out targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to disrupt relevant crimes.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling 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).
Hong Kong Customs detects three smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels with goods worth about $23.6 million seized Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects three smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels with goods worth about $23.6 million seized Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects three smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels with goods worth about $23.6 million seized Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 concludes successfully in Hong Kong
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Finance Ministers' Meeting (FMM) 2026 concluded successfullyin the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Representatives from APEC member economies and international organisations engaged in in-depth exchanges on major issues concerning regional economic development, reaching broad consensus and achieving practical outcomes.
On its second day today (October 21), the FMM issued the 2026 APEC Finance Ministers' Joint Statement, reaffirming the commitment to building an open, dynamic, resilient, and peaceful Asia-Pacific community by 2040 for the prosperity of all our people and future generations. The statement also noted that meaningful discussions were held on fiscal policy supporting households, digital infrastructure financing, financial access and opportunity for all, and welcomed the convening of the Young Financial Talents Dialogue, to promote the prosperity and resilience of the region.
The agenda of the FMM today included discussions on advancing financial inclusion through approaches tailored to the circumstances of individual economies, and strengthening exchanges and co-operation among young financial professionals across APEC. Speaking during the discussion sessions, the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, said that the key to advancing financial inclusion was to enable individuals and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access affordable and reliable financial services safely and conveniently. He shared Hong Kong's experience with the Commercial Data Interchange, which facilitates data sharing between businesses and banks to improve the efficiency of credit assessment and help SMEs access finance. He emphasised that consumer protection, sound data governance and clear accountability must be integral to innovation.
Mr Chan also expressed Hong Kong's support for continuing the Young Financial Talents Dialogue in 2027 to nurture a new generation of professionals with technical expertise, sound judgement, international perspectives and the ability to work across borders. He suggested focusing exchanges on practical policy issues, including responsible AI adoption, digital infrastructure financing and financial access, and building a lasting network among participants to promote continued learning and long-term co-operation.
At the closing session of the meeting, the Minister of Finance, Mr Lan Fo'an, said that all parties should firmly implement the consensus reached at the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, uphold multilateralism, and deepen practical co-operation in fiscal and financial affairs, with a view to contributing to regional economic and financial stability and long-term sustainable growth.
A press conference was also held after the meeting. Mr Lan said that, with the joint efforts of all participants and the high-quality services provided by the HKSAR Government, the FMM had successfullycompleted all agenda items and delivered a series of practical deliverables. He noted that the meeting had deepened consensus among Asia-Pacific economies in three areas, namely strengthening communication and co-ordination on macroeconomic policies to jointly respond to external risks and challenges; promoting practical financial and economic co-operation to support long-term sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region; and advancing regional economic integration and fostering an Asia-Pacific community.
Following the meeting, tours were arranged for members of delegations from participating economies and international organisations during their stay in Hong Kong. These activities offered them first-hand experience of Hong Kong's unique charm - a city where Eastern and Western cultures converge and development goes hand in hand with culture. The itineraries included visits to the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Palace Museum, as well as a boat tour to enjoy the renowned views of Victoria Harbour.
The APEC FMM 2026 showcased Hong Kong's unique advantages as an international financial centre, strongly supported by the Motherland and closely connected to the world, as well as its capability to host major international conferences. Hong Kong will continue to leverage its roles as a "super connector" and "super value-adder" to deepen exchanges and co-operation with APEC member economies and contribute to regional economic and financial development.
APEC Finance Ministers' Meeting 2026 concludes successfully in Hong Kong Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
