The Customs and Excise Department and the oil industry today (September 25) signed an agreement to renew the Oil Industry Reward Scheme for another year with effect from October 1, 2007.
The scheme is financed by Chevron Hong Kong Ltd, Chinaoil (Hong Kong) Corporation Ltd, ExxonMobil Hong Kong Ltd, Shell Hong Kong Ltd and Sinopec (Hong Kong) Ltd.
The scheme was launched on April 1, 1996 to encourage the public to provide information on illicit fuel activities.
Under the scheme, the oil companies contribute a total of $1 million annually to pay for rewards to people who provide information leading to the seizure and forfeiture of illicit fuel. Higher rewards may be paid for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved under specific circumstances. The rewards range from $1,500 to a maximum of $170,000 for each case.
A Customs spokesman said that the scheme has demonstrated the joint efforts and determination of the oil industry and the department to stamp out illicit fuel activities.
Since October 1, 2006, rewards totalling $35,000 have been paid for information in four cases, leading to the arrest of 4 people and the seizure of 42,070 litres of illicit fuel.
The spokesman appealed to members of the public to provide information to assist its incessant enforcement actions against illicit fuel.
Information can be given to the Department:
Ends/Tuesday, September 25, 2007
