Hong Kong Island Traffic Operation and Control Unit personnel carried out a sting operation targeting cross-border unlicensed taxis today (November 7). They arrested a 42-year-old Chinese mainland male driver. In the past two weeks, police have apprehended nine cross-border unlicensed taxi drivers. According to the police, recent proactive online patrols uncovered online intermediaries offering services for passengers to travel from Hong Kong to mainland China via the land border. On today, the police agents disguised as passengers inquired about traveling from Wong Chuk Hang to Guangzhou and offered 1,500 yuan. Following this, the intermediary arranged for a licensed local vehicle with dual registration plates to pick up the passengers. After the undercover officers boarded the vehicle, they revealed their identity at the start of the journey, apprehending the 42-year-old Chinese male driver for violating "using a vehicle for illegal taxi or carriage services," "driving without third-party insurance," and "violating the conditions of stay." The arrested man has been charged with these offenses and is due in court for a hearing at Eastern Magistrates' Court on November 9. The involved private vehicle has been impounded for further examination. The senior inspector of Hong Kong Island Traffic Operation and Control Unit, Yan Si-ho, emphasized that the police remain zero-tolerant towards cross-border unlicensed taxi offenses and will continue to address such issues through intelligence-led operations, identifying cross-border unlicensed taxis through various channels and thoroughly investigating public reports to ensure sufficient evidence is collected before taking enforcement actions. Hong Kong Island Traffic Operation and Control Unit senior inspector Yan Si-ho elaborated on the case.
Passengers are advised to choose legal transportation means. If the purpose of boarding the unlicensed vehicle is for illegal carriage, any third-party insurance coverage might be void, leaving all parties including passengers and pedestrians unprotected in the event of an accident. Hong Kong Island Traffic Operation and Control Unit senior inspector Yan Si-ho reminded the public.