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A Mainland man, who faked his marriage to a Hong Kong resident, was jailed for 18 months after appearing in the Sha Tin Magistrates' Court today (February 5).
Zhuang Hongxing, 21, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud and three counts of making false representation to an Immigration officer.
On January 11, 2007, Zhuang presented for arrival clearance at Lo Wu control point. He was suspected of having entered into a bogus marriage and was detained for further investigation.
Zhuang admitted he had agreed with a middleman to enter into a bogus marriage with a Hong Kong resident at a cost of $40,000. He intended to make use of the bogus marriage to acquire a "90-day visa" endorsement to seek work in Hong Kong.
After the marriage last September, Zhuang made three visits to Hong Kong, declaring to the Immigration control officers that he came to visit his resident wife.
"The department has been very concerned with non-Hong Kong residents obtaining the right to stay in Hong Kong by means of bogus marriages," 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 the offenders.
"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, anyone who commits the offence of conspiracy is liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, the maximum penalty is imprisonment for 14 years.
It is also 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/Monday, February 5, 2007
Issued at HKT 16:35
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