17th January 2025 – (Hong Kong) On 5th January, Hong Kong Customs uncovered two suspected smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels, resulting in the seizure of a substantial batch of suspected smuggled goods valued at approximately $35 million.
Through meticulous intelligence analysis and risk assessments, Customs identified plans by criminals to utilise ocean-going vessels for smuggling operations. This prompted the formulation of enforcement strategies, leading to the inspection of two suspicious containers scheduled to depart from Hong Kong to the Mainland.
During the inspections, Customs officers examined the containers, which were declared to be carrying aluminium ingots. However, their examinations revealed large quantities of suspected smuggled items, including hard disks, display cards, RAM units, and various other electronic products.
An investigation is currently underway, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of arrests.
As the primary government agency responsible for combating smuggling, Customs has consistently addressed various smuggling activities across multiple fronts. The department reiterated its commitment to intensifying enforcement measures and employing proactive risk management and intelligence-driven strategies to disrupt sea smuggling operations.
Smuggling is regarded as a serious offence under the Import and Export Ordinance, with individuals found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo facing a maximum fine of $2 million and up to seven years of imprisonment upon conviction.
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