Mastermind and member of smuggling syndicate jailed for conspiracy to smuggle
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Hong Kong Customs in June 2016 for the first time smashed a suspected carousel-smuggling syndicate that made use of false compartments in trailers of cross-boundary container trucks for two-way smuggling of precious metal and electronics products. During the operation, about 700 kilograms of silver and a large haul of electronic products, including computer central processing units, mobile phones and computer tablets with a total value of about $6.6 million, were seized.
Customs welcomes the verdict. The sentences have a strong deterrent effect on smuggling activities and the case is significant in the context of Customs enforcement against smuggling syndicates.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the IEO, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Issued at HKT 19:30
Issued at HKT 19:30
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