Eighteen arrested over forged talent scheme documents
A criminal syndicate is suspected of forging documents such as overseas university qualifications to help people secure the right to live in Hong Kong. Photo: RTHK
Eighteen people have been arrested on suspicion of providing or using forged documents for applications to Hong Kong's top talent scheme which comes with residency rights.
The Immigration Department on Wednesday said five of the 18 are Hong Kong residents suspected of running the scam operation, while the rest are mainlanders who made applications under the scheme.
At a press briefing, the department said a syndicate used social media to contact people interested in securing Hong Kong residency, claiming they could provide a "one-stop service".
"The syndicate would first charge a fee of around HK$1.5 million and then forge documents including overseas university qualifications, students visas, immigration stamps and an employment certificate for visa applications," said Assistant Principal Immigration Officer Hui Chi-kin.
"After the applicant receives permission to enter Hong Kong, applicants are then charged another HK$1 million for follow-up services, which include applying for identity cards for the applicant's dependants, false rental contracts and payrolls."
Hui said the syndicate is thought to have been operating for 1.5 years and filed at least 22 applications, involving some HK$55 million.
The five people suspected of being part of the gang are also believed to have taken part in money laundering activities, the department said.
It added that the authorities will be stepping up checks on talent scheme applications.
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