Immigration Department Fuses with Cross-boundary Falsified Document and Illegal Labor Group, Arrests 15 Individuals

The Immigration Department recently launched Operation ‘Shadow’ to dismantle a cross-border group involved in falsifying Hong Kong identity cards and promoting illegal labor. The group has been accused of using social media to lure job seekers from mainland China, charging them hefty fees. Among the 15 arrested individuals were two principal criminals, one accomplice, 10 mainland illegal workers, and one local restaurant employer. The principal criminals were sentenced to between 29 and 42 months in prison, while the illegal workers received sentences of 12 to 15 months. The crime ring was accused of having illicit gains of over 1 million Hong Kong dollars.

Customs authorities recently unveiled “Shame,” a crackdown operation targeting a meticulously organized border cross-group involved in fake Hong Kong identity cards and irregular labor. The operation began in January 2024 when customs officers intercepted a mainland traveler at Lok Ma Chau Frontier Post, uncovering a poorly constructed fake Hong Kong identity card on her. This led to the exposure of her illegal labor at a local restaurant. The Anti-Smuggling Intelligence Unit of Customs followed the leads and detected the extensive criminal network, culminating in the arrest of 15 individuals across multiple districts. Among them were 2 mainland masterminds, 1 group member, 10 mainland black workers, and 1 local restaurant owner. The two principal culprits were sentenced to 29 and 42 months in prison respectively, while 10 black workers received sentences ranging from 12 to 15 months, totaling over HK$1 million in illegal gains.

A master plan was set up under the guise of overseas employment. Initially, under the name of “Overseas Employment Social Group,” the masterminds lured job seekers with enticing foreign work opportunities and a high fee of 30,000 RMB per person. After obtaining the money, the group fabricated fake Hong Kong identity cards and transmitted electronic images of fake cards to the victims via mobile phones, instructing them to use these for job interviews to avoid detection. Subsequently, the group facilitated the illegal transportation of physical fake documents to Hong Kong and housed black workers in cheap accommodations, often in restaurants where they performed menial jobs like dishwashing. In addition to the initial fee, black workers were charged an extra 3,000 HKD for the fake document or electronic photo and were subjected to an additional 1,800-2,000 HKD rent per month.

The UV light feature on genuine identity cards shows a colorful fireworks pattern, Victoria Harbour, and Tuen Mun Bridge, which was absent in the fake cards. The true certificates also featured dynamic holographic patterns and micro-printed text that was crisp and easy to read. Customs officials advised employers to rigorously verify original documents and remain vigilant if shown copies or phone images. Do not employ illegal workers, as it constitutes a grave criminal offense. Customs will continue to intensify its operations to combat these cross-border fake document and black worker groups.