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| One of the suspected illegal workers is taken away for questioning |
Immigration officers working undercover arrested a tour guide and photographer working illegally as part of anti-illegal work operations carried out from Apr 17 to 23.
The sting came after the officers noted that social media platforms have recently been used to advertise tour guide and photography services in Hong Kong. After an extensive investigation and research, the two suspects, both aged 23, were identified.
Officers disguised as customers set up the two, then arrested them while they were engaged in providing the illegal services.
The two were among 16 people arrested in in the territory-wide operations involving the HK Police and the Immigration, Labour and Customs departments. The suspects comprised 12 suspected illegal workers, two employers and two aiders and abettors.
The premises that were targeted
included restaurants, warehouses and flats under renovation, which are known
black spots for illegal work.
The arrested workers comprised two men and eight women, aged 23 to 50. Among them, one man and one woman were holding recognisance forms which prohibit them from taking any employment.
One man and one woman, aged 63 and 30, were suspected of employing the illegal workers and were also arrested.
Two
other men aged 48 and 53 were also detained on suspicion that they aided and
abetted the illegal act.
Immigration said an investigation into the suspected employers is continuing, and further arrests could not be ruled out.
It also warned that anyone who contravenes a condition of stay in Hong Kong, like tourists taking up a job whether paid or unpaid, could be prosecuted and if found guilty, sentenced to a maximum jail term of two years, and up to $50,000 in fines. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalty.
Overstayers, asylum seekers and those refused permission to land can be jailed for up to three years if they are found to be working illegally.
In addition, they can be barred from re-entering Hong Kong on orders of the Chief Executive if the offence which they are charged with carries a sentence of not less than two years in jail.
Employers face a more severe penalty of up to 10 years in jail and a maximum fine of HK$500,000.
