Illegal fuel transfer activities on the rise in Hong Kong, spreading to urban areas, posing extreme danger. Secretary for Security Chris Tang said today (April 11) on a television program that there has been a marked increase in illegal fuel stations in urban areas.
Authorities will step up enforcement and intelligence-gathering against illegal fuel-transfer operations, and are studying a substantial increase in penalties, as well as imposing legal liability on those who refuel at such stations, he noted.
Tang said that the current maximum penalty for selling untaxed fuel is a fine of HK$1 million and two years' imprisonment, while illegally selling already-taxed fuel carries a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and six months' imprisonment. He believes the latter penalty is far from sufficient.
"Although the fuel is already taxed, the locations where it is sold are very dangerous, with no safety measures whatsoever. I see no reason why the penalty should be lower than that for selling untaxed fuel. We are also considering whether those who refuel at such places should bear legal liability."
"Currently, we have no power to seize or confiscate the vehicles of people who refuel at illegal stations selling already-taxed fuel. We are considering whether to introduce such provisions... We are also studying the penalties for both sellers and buyers—whether the penalty for buyers could be relatively lighter."
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