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The Immigration Department and the Hong Kong Police Force yesterday (July 31) jointly mounted an anti-illegal employment operation codenamed "Windsand" in Sheung Shui district. During the operation, 11 Mainland visitors comprising four men and seven women aged 31 to 63 were arrested for breaching their conditions of stay by being involved in suspected parallel goods trading at Po Wan Road, San Wan Road and Ka Fu Close. The goods included milk powder, diapers, wine, facial products, nutritious food products and electronic watches.
Since September 2012, a number of "Windsand" operations have been conducted, during which a total of 1 311 Mainlanders and 14 Hong Kong residents were arrested for suspected involvement in parallel goods trading. Of these, 201 Mainlanders were prosecuted for breach of conditions of stay, while the remaining 1 110 people were repatriated. Among those prosecuted, 192 out of 201 were sentenced to imprisonment for four weeks to three months and charges were withdrawn for another nine people.
"Visitors are not allowed to take up employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties. The Immigration Department will continue to take enforcement action with related law enforcement departments against the offences concerned," an Immigration Department spokesman said.
Ends/Friday, August 1, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:20
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