Hong Kong Customs on November 9 detected a suspected case of using an ocean-going vessel to smuggle goods to Vietnam at the Kwai Chung Container Terminals. A large batch of suspected smuggled electronic goods, including cameras, monitors, routers and speakers, with a total estimated market value of about $8 million was seized.
Through risk assessment, Customs discovered that criminals may use ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods to Southeast Asian countries. Then, Customs formulates strategic plans to select and inspect containers from high-risk regions. A container, declared as carrying electronic components, prepared to be shipped to Vietnam by an ocean-going vessel, was identified at the Kwai Chung Container Terminals.
Upon inspection, Customs officers found a lot of wooden boxes inside the container and seized the batch of suspected smuggled electronic goods therein.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs arrested two persons suspected to be connected with the case. They comprised a 56-year-old female director of the consignor company and a 57-year-old female staff member of a shipping agent. The container involved was also detained.
An investigation is ongoing. The two arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
Being a government department specifically responsible for tackling smuggling, Customs has all along been combating various smuggling activities proactively at the forefront. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to fiercely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, along with mounting targeted anti-smuggling operations at suitable times to land a solid blow against relevant activities.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Ends/Friday, November 17, 2023
