Hong Kong Customs smashed a syndicate suspected of cross-boundary smuggling of mobile phones in mid-December.
In the night of December 17, Hong Kong Customs intercepted an outbound container truck at Lok Ma Chau Control Point. A batch of used mobile phones were found in the false compartments of the axles of the trailer. Later, Customs officers searched a cargo yard in Tin Shui Wai where another batch of used mobile phones suspected for smuggling were seized.
During the operation, five men aged between 22 and 51 were arrested. A total of 4 467 used mobile phones, three vehicles and some loading tools for putting the mobile phones into the false compartments were seized. The seizure is worth about $4.8 million. Investigation is continuing.
The Customs' Group Head of the Special Investigation Group of Syndicate Crimes Investigation Bureau, Mr Hui Wai-ming said that Hong Kong Customs would continue intelligence exchange and co-operation with Mainland Customs to combat cross-boundary smuggling.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of exporting unmanifested cargoes is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for 7 years.
Ends/Sunday, December 28, 2014
