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A Mainland woman has been jailed over a bogus marriage after appearing in Sha Tin Magistrates' Court today (January 2).
Chen Yulian, 45, pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to defraud and was jailed for 12 months.
On December 8, 2006, Chen presented for arrival clearance at Lo Wu control point, saying she was going to visit her resident husband. Doubts about the purpose of visit led to an investigation.
Chen admitted that she had agreed to enter into a bogus marriage with a Hong Kong resident at a cost of 500 renminbi in order to obtain a "T" exit endorsement to visit Hong Kong. On November 13, 2006, Chen contracted a bogus marriage with her husband in Hong Kong. Chen then made use of the bogus marriage to apply for a "T" endorsement for travelling to Hong Kong.
"The Immigration Department has been very concerned with non-Hong Kong residents obtaining stay in Hong Kong by means of bogus marriage," a department spokesman said. "A special task force has been set up to gather intelligence through various avenues and a thorough investigation will be conducted once evidence comes to light. If there is enough evidence, the department will prosecute offenders.
Under the laws of Hong Kong, anyone who commits the offence of conspiracy is liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for 14 years.
"For people who have obtained their residence in Hong Kong by fraudulent means, their Hong Kong identity card and residence status will be declared invalid according to the laws of Hong Kong. They will also be subject to removal back to their place of origin," the spokesman said.
Under the laws of Hong Kong, it is an offence to make a false representation to immigration officers. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalty.
Ends/Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:00
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