Consulate warns tourists against doing illegal work

 

Selling properties, insurance plans or investment products by tourists are all illegal in Hong Kong, warns the Philippine Consulate General.

The same goes for rendering professional advice, whether paid or unpaid, unless granted permission by the Immigration Department.

This was contained in an advisory from last March which was reposted today on the Facebook page of the PCG.

PINDUTIN ITO PARA SA DETALYE

“Tourists (who) engage in any paid activity, solicit business opportunities (e.g. selling of condominium units, investments, or insurance policies) or buying commercial interest in any business) or practice their profession (e.g. issuing legal advice or administering medical care) may be prosecuted under the Hong Kong Immigration Ordinance for Breach of Condition of Stay,” said the PCG in its advisory.

“Offenders shall be liable to a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and a maximum imprisonment for 2 years.”

Basahin ang detalye!

Since Hong Kong reopened to tourists after the pandemic, there has been a noticeable effort by agents for even high-end property developers in the Philippines to target prospective buyers in Hong Kong, including migrant domestic workers.

Some investment or insurance companies even designate MDWs to act as their direct-marketing agents, in violation of their visa conditions.

PCG says tourists should not exit to Macau repeatedly as they could be barred from re-entering HK

In the advisory, the PCG reminded tourists against repeatedly shuttling to and from Hong Kong and Macau as this activity could be considered inconsistent with the 14-day visa-free entry allowed visitors here, strictly for tourism purposes only.

The warning comes amid an intensified campaign by Immigration to stamp out illegal work. Weekly raids are carried out by a multi-agency task force that focuses on violations of the condition of stay given to tourists and other people allowed temporary stay in Hong Kong.

In the past few months the campaign has extended to tourists and even MDWs offering photography, make-up, manicure or dental services for a fee. A number of arrests has been made, and offenders have in most cases, been sentenced to prison terms.

Happy ending for OFW who lost job after Tai Po fire

 

The calm after the storm: Jonalyn can now smile again (MFMW photo)

After working for 10 years for an elderly Chinese lady, Filipino domestic worker Jonalyn received a double whammy a few months ago.

Her employer’s flat in Tai Po was among those charred by a deadly fire that killed dozens of people in November last year. Jonalyn managed to lead her 94-year-old employer to safety but the experience left her traumatized.

PINDUTIN ITO PARA SA DETALYE

Then a second blow came: her employer’s daughter told Jonalyn about two months later that her services were no longer needed.

Though nothing derogatory was said about her work, the parting of ways with the popo she had come to regard as her second mother left Jonalyn with a deep sense of loss, even guilt.

Was her decade-long service not satisfactory? Did she let the kind elderly woman down?

The thought of being separated from her 'popo'still makes Jonalyn sad

Luckily, she found her way to the Mission for Migrant Workers and its shelter, the Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge.

There, her doubts were finally put to rest. With their help, she also found an employer who did not hesitate to take her in, and even allowed her to take a much-delayed trip back home so she could reunite with her daughter.

Basahin ang detalye!

In a recent interview with The SUN contributor, Jody Castaneto, Jonalyn tells the story of how the Tai Po fire turned her life upside down, and how she eventually found the strength to let go, and move on.

Here's the link: https://youtu.be/w_1OW8G21ag?si=dY-oW9IJbBiEDi2T

 

Filipino ex- Bethune clients form 'alumni' association

 

Participants in the founding assembly pose for pictures after the first BHFAA officers were elected

There was an abundance of both laughter and tears, as about 50  Filipino former clients or residents of  Bethune House Migrant Women’s Refuge gathered on Sunday, Apr 26, at the Polytechnic University to form their first ever “alumni association”.

Many of those who attended gave teary-eyed testimonies about how the shelter helped them get back on their feet during a time of despair, and how they intend to use the newly formed group to give back, and pay forward.

Elected as the first officers of the newly formed Bethune House Filipino Alumni Association whose charter was approved on the same day, were: Mylene Mago, chairperson; Nemia Cabradilla, vice-chair; Romella Echevarria, secretary; Rizala Oyan, treasurer; and Leah Defredo, auditor.

PINDUTIN ITO PARA SA DETALYE

They took their oath of office before Bethune House executive director Edwina Antonio, who earlier assured migrant workers of the shelter’s commitment to helping them speak for justice and ensure they get the respect that they deserve.

Among those who spoke at the general assembly were victims of last year’s deadly fire in Tai Po, who were not only sheltered by Bethune House, but were also provided with much-needed psychological counselling and even material needs.

Basahin ang detalye!

One of them, Vame, spoke emotionally of how the staff and volunteers at Bethune House have inspired distressed migrant workers like her with their dedication and concern.

Another former resident, Edith, shared show Bethune House provided her with all the help and support she needed after being diagnosed with stage 2 cancer. In the seven months that she was at the shelter, she said she learned about her rights while being immersed in social activities that enriched her life.

Antonio (foreground, in brown) administers the oath to the new officers

Speaking at the founding meeting, Antonio recalled how the shelter was founded nearly four decades ago, after a pastor offered space at the Kowloon Union Church in Jordan.

Since then, Bethune House has helped thousands of domestic workers in distress, from those facing legal cases to those afflicted with serious ailments and needed a place to stay so they could continue their treatment in Hong Kong. 

It has also opened a second shelter in Sheung Wan, which allows it to house up to 40 residents in both facilities at any given time.

Among those cared for by Bethune House were the victims in some of the most horrific cases of domestic workers being abused by their employers, including Indonesians Erwiana Sulisyaningsih and Kartika. Both succeeded eventually in putting their tormentors behind bars, with help from the shelter and its mother organization, the Mission for Migrant Workers.

Antonio urged members of the newly formed support group to continue spreading Bethune House’s commitment to helping, and protecting, the rights and welfare of migrant women.

“Let’s reach out to the next woman in distress,” she urged.

Among those who joined the general assembly and gave solidarity messages were leaders of various migrant workers organizations like Unifil-Migrante Hong Kong, Mission Movers, Gabriela HK, Bayan HK and Macau; as well as The SUN.

Prof. Lydia Catedral of Polytechnic University gave the welcome remarks.

Pinoy faces arrest for being absent in court

 

Neighborhood where gambling den is located (Google Maps photo)

A Filipino facing a charge of managing an illegal gambling establishment is now being sought by police after a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Kowloon City Court for being absent from a hearing.

Ray Onate Jr., 37 years old and listed as unemployed, was charged with violation of section 5(b) of the Gambling Ordinance after being arrested last March 18 for managing a gambling establishment at 1/F, 140 Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon.

PINDUTIN ITO PARA SA DETALYE

The offense prescribes a penalty of a fine of $5,000,000 and imprisonment for 2 years on summary conviction or a fine of $5,000,000 and to imprisonment for 7 years on conviction on indictment.

After his case was called and court personnel failed to find him inside and outside the court last Thursday (April 30), Acting Principal Magistrate Peony Wong issued a warrant for his arrest.

Basahin ang detalye!

His co-defendant, Cindy Salvan, who faces a charge of gambling in the unlicensed establishment contrary to section 6 of the Gambling Ordinance, and another for breach of condition of stay for overstaying from Aug. 18, 2025 to last March 18, was remanded in custody.

Onate and Salvan were among the 12 people of different nationalities who were charged with illegal gambling after being arrested in a police raid on March 18.

The Ordinance’s Section 6 says any person who gambles in a gambling establishment commits an offense and is liable on first conviction to a fine at level 3 ($10,000) and to imprisonment for 3 months; on second conviction to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and to imprisonment for 6 months; and on third or subsequent conviction to a fine at level 5 ($5,000) and to imprisonment for 9 months.

Magistrate Wong adjourned the case to May 4.

Migrant workers stage protests to mark Labor Day in HK

 

Migrant workers from various countries joined the first May Day protest in HK in 6 years

Migrant organizations under the banner of the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body marked International Labor Day by holding its first rally in six years outside the Central Government Offices in Central to renew calls for better pay and working conditions.

Separately, Filipino migrants led by United Filipinos (Migrante) in Hong Kong and Bayan Hong Kong and Macau picketed the Philippine Consulate offices in Admiralty to urge for a higher minimum wage for local workers and more job opportunities to stem the flow of migration.

Unifil-Migrante urged better working conditions for Filipinos at Consulate protest

AMCB said that after three decades of fighting for migrant domestic workers’ rights in Hong Kong, it has seen no significant improvement to their working conditions. In fact, in most key areas identified as crucial to improving the lives of MDWs, the change has been for the worse.

The group said that a consultation session it organized on April 26 involving 50 people, 20 of whom represented migrant organizations, it emerged that MDWs now work longer hours, are not given enough time to rest on their days off, share rest spaces with members of their employer’s families, are earning far less than a living wage, and still pay exorbitant fees to land jobs abroad.

Basahin ang detalye!

On the issue of long work hours, AMCB said more than half of the MDWs surveyed, or 64%, said they work from 18-20 hours per day, even longer than the 16 hours that many migrant support groups had condemned in the past. Some of the workers reportedly wake up at 5:45am and work until 1am the next day.

An overwhelming majority, or 80%, said they are made to work before and after their days-off. Some said they could only leave their employer’s house at around 10am, and are told to return by 7pm.

As regards accommodation, 70% said they share a room with children or elderly members of the household, while the remaining 30% (15 out of 50) have their own room.

AMCB reiterates call for $6,172 minimum wage for migrant workers

While AMCB and other migrant groups have long campaigned for a living wage of at least HK$6,000 a month for MDWs, the current level is just over HK$5,000. Those who have been with their employers for around a decade still earn no more than HK$5,500.

Worse, said the AMCB, a worrying 6% are not even paid the minimum wage, citing fear of losing their job as the reason for not complaining.

On top of all these, said AMCB, employment agencies continue to charge high fees for recruiting domestic workers from overseas, with the current charge averaging from HK$13,000 to HK$30,000.

Another disturbing finding was that 3 out of the 50 respondents were still being made to do dangerous window cleaning, despite this being banned by the Hong Kong government since 2017 in the wake of a rise in the number of MDWs who fell from height while doing this chore.

Premature termination of contracts remains significant, with almost 16% (8 out of 50) of the respondents saying they were sacked within just 9 days to 4 months of their employment, and 6% after working for between 7 months to a year. In many of these cases said the AMCB, no clear or valid reason was given for the termination.

Given these findings, the AMCB reiterated calls for a ‘living wage’’for MDWs of no less than HK$6,712 a month and HK$3,123 food allowance.

They again demanded legislation that will mandate no less than a continuous 11-hour rest period between two consecutive days for MDWs, plus meal breaks; and define clearly what “suitable accommodation” and “decent food” in their contract mean.

As before, AMCB reiterated a review of the government’s long-standing policy on the live-in requirement for MDWs and the so-called two-week rule which mandates that they must leave Hong Kong within 14 days of their being terminated.

They also called for a crackdown on errant employment agencies, particularly those that charge exorbitant fees.

AMCB vowed that “until the Hong Kong government finally hears and resolves the issues that make workers suffer,” it will continue fighting for humane treatment for all workers in the city.

 

22 arrested in anti-illegal work sweep ahead of ‘Golden Week’

Tourists are advised not to hire illegal tour guides

Unlicensed tour escorts or travel agents were among those targeted in the latest anti-illegal work operations led by the Immigration Department.

Immigration agents have teamed up with staff from the Travel Industry Authority (TIA) to distribute leaflets at popular tourist attractions such as the West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong Palace Museum, Clock Tower and Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui and Wong Tai Sin Temple.

The message to locals and tourists alike was the same: “Don’t employ illegal tour escorts or tourist guides.”

Basahin ang detalye!

The initiative comes ahead of the “Golden Week” in the Mainland, when hundreds of thousands of Chinese tourists flock to Hong Kong during the long holiday.

The TIA said it will continue to work closely with law enforcement authorities throughout the holiday to ensure no illegal tour guide activities take place.

Items seized from suspected illegal workers

Meanwhile, the regular crackdown on illegal work continued at the same time, resulting in the arrest of 22 people in a six-day period, from Apr 24 to 29.

Of those arrested in raids on restaurants, retail stress and flats under renovation across multiple districts, 18 were suspected to be illegal workers and four were employers.

The arrested workers comprised 13 men and five women, aged 19 to 54. One of the women was found in possession of a forged HK identity card.

Two men and two women aged 39 to 54 were arrested on suspicion of hiring the illegal workers. An investigation into their operation is continuing.

Hong Kong laws strictly forbid illegal work by tourists or visitors, illegal immigrants, persons fighting deportation, or those contracted to work only for a particular employer and location.

Maximum penalties range from two to years in prison, and a fine of up to HK$50,000. Overstayers, illegal immigrants and asylum seekers face higher prison sentences.

Those found guilty of possessing a forged identity document can be jailed for up to 10 years and fined up to HK$100,000. 

Employers face more severe penalties: up to 10 years in jail and a maximum fine of HK$500,000.

PCG warns Filipinas anew against surrogacy offers abroad

 

Some of the surrogates are abused or abandoned abroad, even after getting pregnant

The Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has issued another warning to Filipino women to be wary of offers to act as surrogate mothers in unnamed countries abroad.

The advisory issued Thursday said a number of Filipinas had reached out to the Department of Foreign Affairs to ask for help after their recruiter for surrogacy jobs refused to pay them salaries after learning they were afflicted with some ailment.

The recruiter’s handlers on the other hand had been driving them away from the boarding houses where they were made to stay but did not offer any money for their return air fare. The women were also warned that the police would be tipped off about their whereabouts if they did not leave.

Basahin ang detalye!

As they flew in as tourists they cannot get help from local authorities regarding the illicit employment deal, said the Consulate.

While no details were disclosed as to where the Filipinas had come from or which country they are now staying, the PCG had posted a similar warning last year after a Filipina domestic worker in Hong Kong was lured to Georgia to act as surrogate but was then subjected to abuse after getting pregnant.

According to a Filipino community leader who relayed the victim’s appeal for help to the PCG, the 36-year-old surrogate was held captive by her abuser in the Georgian capital, Tblisi, and was being forced to abort the six-month baby in her womb.

The OFW said she was tempted to accept the surrogacy offer after her employment contract in Hong Kong was terminated in October 2024. Instead of going back to the Philippines, she agreed to fly to Qatar, then onwards to the East European country.

The victim also said she was terminated in Hong Kong in October 2024 and agreed to the surrogacy offer because it was tempting.

The OFW was reportedly offered US$11,800 over nine months to carry an implanted egg in her womb. The recruiter arranged a tourist visa for her in Georgia, which allowed her to leave Hong Kong within days.

After the PCG was alerted the victim was rescued from her captor but was able to fly back home only after giving birth in Georgia.

According to the PCG’s initial warning, a syndicate appeared to be targeting terminated domestic helpers for surrogacy jobs in Georgia, where many ended up being raped and forced to undergo abortion.

In the Philippines, there is no law that either bans or allows surrogacy. But the lack of explicit regulation and strict laws on adoption have resulted in many surrogates falling victim to unscrupulous brokers or recruiters.

Pinay in 5-month wait for plea on $6.4M money laundering

 

Tainted money laundered through banks is withdrawn using ATM cards (File photo)

A Filipina former domestic helper will have to wait in jail for five months for her next hearing at District Court on eight charges of laundering $6.4 million in crime money through her bank accounts apart from two immigration cases before she is asked to declare if she is guilty or not.

District Court Judge Stanley Chan adjourned the case of Vermadel Canonero, 49 years old, to Oct. 15 after a hearing on Tuesday (April 28) on charges of dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence, contrary to section 25(1) and (3) of the Organized and Serious Crimes and breach of condition of stay.

The charges against Canonero show what appears to be the longest money laundering activity ever linked to a foreign domestic worker, spanning a period of more than two years, or from Apr 16, 2022 to Nov. 13, 2024. The total amount involved was HK$6,448,441.27.

Basahin ang detalye!

She allegedly opened her first bank account with Mox Bank on Apr 16, 2022, and kept it active until July 13, 2024. During that period, tainted money totaling $3,053,717.57 allegedly passed through the account.

The second charge involves a ZA Bank account in her name, where a total of $775,475.86 in illicit money was allegedly funneled between Nov. 23 2023 and Jun 9, 2024.

Between Mar 4, 2024 and Apr 22, 2024, Canonero is also accused of allowing an account in her name at digital services company HKT Payment Ltd to be used in laundering a total of $766,823.34.

Between Mar 27, 2024 and Nov. 13, 2024, another account in her name with China Citic Bank was allegedly used to launder a total of $261,626.80.

Between Mar 25, 2024 and Jul 5, 2024 she also allegedly caused a total of $536,919.61 to be laundered in her account with Airstar Bank, Ltd.

Between Apr 8 and 18, 2024, Canonero also allegedly used her account with Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation to launder $229,330.

Between Apr 8, 2024 and Jul 4, 2024 she is charged with laundering a total of $345,000 using her account with Bank of China.

Finally, she is accused of using her Livi Bank account to launder a total of $479,548.09 between May 22, 2024 and Aug 12, 2024.

A ninth charge pertains to her alleged breach of her visa condition by overstaying. She was said to have been permitted to remain in Hong Kong as a domestic helper only until June 9, 2024 but stayed until her arrest on Mar 17 last year.

A tenth charge arose from her remaining in Hong Kong after the expiration of her visitor visa on Nov. 18, 2024.

Canonero was originally charged at the magistrate’s court, but the discovery of more bank accounts in her name where more tainted money had passed through, resulted in her case being elevated to the District Court.

Money laundering is punishable with a maximum penalty of 14 years' imprisonment and fine of up to $5 million.

 

Filipino designers take center stage in HK’s Fashion InStyle exhibit

 

Models and designers take a bow at end of show

Filipino designers topbilled a fashion show held Tuesday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) as part of the Fashion InStyle international exhibition organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).

Basahin ang detalye!

Featured were both traditional and contemporary Filipino outfits from companies like Bayo, Abacatex, Raquel's Pina Cloth Products, Yndan, Cool Kimono Crafts and Thian Rodriguez, and eye-catching native accessories from Arnel Papa that enthralled about 100 people who watched the show.

Congen Romulo and Vice Consul Mabalot flank Cong. Remulla and wife Georgia

Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. and Trade Attache Roberto Mabalot, Jr joined the guests who included Cavite Rep. Crispin Diego Remulla, whose wife Georgia founded the Yndan fashion brand.

The exhibition which kicked off on Monday and will run until Thursday, Apr 30, brings together 60 exhibitors from around the world, and features sustainable sourcing, creative fabrication and heritage-driven materials for the fashion industry.

This patchwork terno from Yndan is a standout

A total of 25 companies from the Philippines are taking part in the Fashion InStyle exhibition, the biggest ever contingent from the country for this event. 

The other exhibitors are Adam Pereyra, Al Jamelah Inaul Textile Weaving Services Association, Anmari & Co., Asiatex,  Crafter's Joy, Jevan Jewelry, Kitsilver Jewellery, Likhang Maragondon, Likhang Filipino, Narda's, Nifty Prestige, Olly + Fely, PLV Trading, Rowilda's Loomweaving, Tela Tropika, Tribo Estilo, Tuwas Yakan Weavers, Vesti, and Virtucio.

Thian Rodriguez uses Philippine fabrics to make bold fashion statements

Simultaneously, five elite CITEM (Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions) exhibitors are taking part in the Home InStyle exhibition at the same venue.

The Philippine Pavilion for Fashion InStyle can be found at Hall 3FG, while the delegation for Home InStyle are at Hall 5E-B11.

Contemporary saya in various native fabrics like jusi & abaca with one-of-kind artwork

The Filipino participation in both events is made possible by the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) Hong Kong, an attached agency of the Philippine Consulate General and is the representative office of the Department of Trade and Industry.

PTIC-HK is inviting potential global partners to explore the Philippines’ world-class manufacturing capabilities as shown by the wide-ranging product displays at both exhibits. For business matching, contact hongkong@dti.gov.ph or call 2823 8533.

DH jailed 12 months for jewelry theft

 

Fanling Magistrates' Court

A domestic helper has been jailed for 12 months after she pleaded guilty at Fanling Court to stealing 23 pieces of jewelry worth HK$208,950

Maricel Villegas, 44 years old, was convicted on Tuesday (April 28)  of theft, contrary to section 9 of the Theft Ordinance,.

Acting Principal Magistrate Jason Wan set a starting point of 16 months in jail, which he reduced by one third as a discount for her guilty plea.

Basahin ang detalye!

A police complaint alleged that Villegas stole 11 gold bangles, four gold rings, five gold necklaces and pendants, one gold necklace, one gold bracelet, and one silver ring, worth a total of HK$208,950, the property of Cheng Hoi-tung.

The theft took place between Nov. 8, 2025 and Feb. 11, 2026, at her employer’s flat at Fan Garden, 17 Fan Leng Lau Road in Fanling, New Territories.

2 Pinoys jailed 20 months for taking SIM card, iPad in burglary

 

The thefts took place in one of these shops (Google Maps photo)

Two Filipino HK residents who were charged with burglary before the District Court for stealing a SIM card and an iPad from a shop at night, were each sentenced to 20 months after pleading guilty today.

Ryan Malonzo, 38 years old and a bartender, admitted entering Shop IE on the ground floor at No. 11 On Ning Lane, Sai Ying Pun, while Roderick Prado, 49 years old and a delivery worker, acted as a lookout in the burglary, committed at night between the 20^th and 21^st of March, 2025.

The offense, contrary to section 11(1)(b) and (4) of the Theft Ordinance, was traced to the two because of the two screwdrivers they left outside and fingerprints inside the shop.

Basahin ang detalye!

Deputy District Judge Timothy Harry Casewell handed the sentence down after deducting the usual one third discount from the starting point of 30 months’ imprisonment.

He noted that both had previous criminal convictions.

In mitigation, Malonzo’s lawyer said he committed the burglary on the spur of the moment and out of greed. “He feels remorse,” she said.

Due to hardship, his wife had gone home for good to the Philippines, she added.

Prado’s lawyer said the burglary was impromptu and could be due to his drug addiction, from which he has recovered after spending six months in detention.

MWO distributes Php2.7M in financial aid to distressed OFWs

 

Top Consulate officials handed out the cash awards to 42 needy OFWs

The Migrant Workers Office Hong Kong has distributed a total of Php2.7 million in financial aid to 42 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) through the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan (Aksyon) Fund.

The mass handing out of the cash awards to mostly sick OFWs was held on Sunday, Apr 26,  at the OFW Global Center with Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. and Labor Attache Cesar Chavez, Jr. leading the distribution.

A total of 24 beneficiaries, mostly suffering from critical illness like cancer, each received the HK dollar equivalent of Php75,000 while 18 others who were facing less severe ailments or labor-related hardship received the HK dollar equivalent of Php50,000.

Basahin ang detalye!

Labatt Chavez said the financial aid reflects the commitment of MWO Hong Kong to respond to the welfare needs of OFWs in Hong Kong.

He said his office is committed to update its processes so Aksyon Fund applicants who are able to submit complete documents can receive their cash aid within the same day.

He also announced the implementation of a queuing system at MWO, and the introduction of the online contract verification system starting on April 30.

Labatt Chavez pledges same-day release of Aksyon Fund if documents are in order

ConGen Israel for his part affirmed the Consulate’s commitment together with MWO and other attached agencies to provide efficient delivery of services to all Filipinos in Hong Kong.

Also present at the ceremony were Deputy Consul General Von Ryan Ferrera, Vice Consul David Paje, Assistant Labor Attache Karen Arlan, Social Welfare Attache Rem Marcelino and OWWA Welfare Officer Marilou Sumalinog.

The Department of Migrant Workers through the Aksyon Fund, provides various forms of assistance to OFWs including legal, repatriation, shipment of remains, and other analogous intervention to protect the rights and promote the welfare of Filipino migrant workers.

OFWs who wish to seek assistance through the Fund may go to MWO Hong Kong on the 29^th floor of United Centre in Admiralty for guidance on the application process.

 

 

Pinay’s jail sentence for money laundering reduced

 

A domestic helper was recalled to Eastern Court today to be informed that her one-year jail sentence for money laundering had been reduced to eight months.

Principal Magistrate David Cheung reduced the sentence handed down on April 13 to Chery Morbo, 31 years old, after she was convicted of dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of indictable offence, contrary to sections 25.(1) and 25 (3) of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

She had reported to police that her HSBC account, opened in August 2024, was used for laundering $132,100 after five deposits and nine withdrawals were reported to her by her bank over a five-day period. She said she lost her ATM card earlier.

Basahin ang detalye!

She was arrested four months later and had been in remand for four months.

 “This is a case of being taken advantage of,” her lawyer said. He said she did not operate the account and there was no evidence she knew the predicate offense (from which the money was derived by persons unknown).

In the original sentence, Magistrate Cheung set a starting point of 18 months’ jail and deducted one-third as a discount for her guilty plea. Today, he gave her another discount of four months.