


In the past two weeks, Hong Kong police have intensified their crackdown on unlicensed taxis (also known as 'white-label' taxis), arresting 12 male drivers (aged 27 to 58) in various districts across the city. Among the arrested, five are local residents, and seven are from mainland China. This crackdown has been heightened in anticipation of the upcoming BIGBANG concert in Hong Kong, scheduled to start on November 13. Police chief Lin Zexing, from the Traffic Management Group of the Police Traffic Headquarters, stated that during this period, law enforcement agencies had been conducting patrols online, intelligence analysis, and undercover operations, resulting in the arrest of 12 people and the impoundment of 12 cars with local registrations. Ten of these cars were illegally registered in both Hong Kong and mainland China. Lin advised that those arrested were charged with driving for hire or reward without authorization, as well as driving without third-party liability insurance. Seven of the mainland drivers also faced charges related to violating visa conditions. As a result of the heightened security measures, police have pledged to step up law enforcement and monitoring at pick-up and drop-off hotspots. According to Lin, if sufficient evidence is gathered, the case details will be transferred to relevant departments on the mainland for further investigation. The police warned all drivers, owners, and operators involved to cease illegal practices, emphasizing that such actions could lead to criminal charges, suspension of driving licenses, and temporary impoundment of vehicles. These individuals could face imprisonment and other severe penalties. Before the international music event, the police highlighted the need for the public to choose legitimate transportation services to ensure both personal safety and lawful activities, discouraging the use of unlicensed taxis for hire or reward. This message is coupled with a reminder for concertgoers to plan their travel and prioritize legal transportation options to avoid risks and legal complications. Police have also underscored their commitment to enforcing the law and transiting relevant information to mainland authorities.