Today (Jan. 21), the Immigration Department announced the arrest of eight mainland individuals for violating their stay conditions by providing services known as tour guide services and cross-boundary shopping services.
A spokesman from the Task Force of the Immigration Department noted that illegal operators have been using social media to advertise these cross-boundary services. Following intelligence analysis and investigation, the department identified a group of suspicious service providers. From last Monday (Jan. 13) to yesterday (Jan. 20), undercover officers posed as customers to inquire about and book these services, leading to the immediate arrests of the suspects upon their arrival in Hong Kong.
The eight arrested individuals, all mainland visitors aged between 19 and 52, included four women working as tour guides, earning between HK$100 to HK$300 per hour. The four men provided cross-boundary shopping services, making HK$100 to HK$200 per transaction. During the operation, mobile phones and carts were confiscated as evidence.
Seven of the arrested individuals appeared in Shatin and Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts, where they pleaded guilty to violating their stay conditions, receiving sentences ranging from 54 days to two months. One case is still under investigation, and further arrests may occur.
The spokesman urged the public to be cautious during the festive season when many are purchasing New Year goods. He warned that individuals claiming to be Hong Kong residents offering various cross-boundary services, including shopping, renovation, and cleaning, might not be legally employed. The Immigration Department will continue targeted online patrols to investigate crimes on the internet.
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