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| Visa application (Immigration Department photo) |
A Filipina was freed on bail today after pleading guilty to conspiracy to defraud, for presenting a fake domestic helper contract to the Immigration Department, which led to approval of her application for employment visa.
Josephine Soberano, 38 years old, would be able to enjoy her temporary freedom until Nov. 28, the date chosen by Magistrate Andrew Mok for her sentencing.
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| PINDUTIN PARA SA DETALYE |
In the meantime, she would be subject to conditions imposed
by Magistrate Mok, such as not leaving Hong Kong while the case is pending, reporting
regularly to police and informing police before she moves to a new address.
Soberano was accused of conspiring “with other persons
unknown, to defraud the director of Immigration …. and his officers” by presenting
a fake domestic helper contract that purported to show that she would work for
a certain Li Sin-ting.
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| Pindutin para sa detalye |
She was also accused of “dishonestly and falsely
representing to the Director and his officers that (her) entries to and
remaining in Hong Kong were for the purpose of working as a domestic helper of
Li….”
As a result, she was “granted permission to enter and remain
in Hong Kong under circumstances which they would not otherwise have granted,”
the police complaint read.
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| Basahin ang detalye! |
She was charged with violating Common Law and sections 2(3)
and 4(2) of the Criminal Jurisdiction Ordinance. The offense is punishable with
up to 14 years’ imprisonment under section 159C (6) of the Crimes Ordinance.
