Latest news with #HuiChi-kin
The Sun
24-07-2025
- The Sun
Hong Kong arrests 18 for forged degrees in talent scheme
HONG KONG: The Immigration Department of Hong Kong has arrested 18 individuals for submitting fraudulent academic credentials under the city's Top Talent Pass Scheme. This marks the first time authorities have dismantled a syndicate assisting mainland Chinese applicants with forged documents. The group operated for over a year, processing at least 22 applications with fees reaching HK$2.5 million per case. Total proceeds from the scam are estimated at HK$55 million. Among those detained were five Hong Kong residents, suspected of running the operation, and 13 mainland applicants aged 27 to 47. Hui Chi-kin, an assistant principal immigration officer, revealed that the syndicate targeted social media users discussing relocation to Hong Kong. They offered a 'one-stop service package' that included fake overseas degrees and employment certificates to bypass immigration checks. The department has vowed to intensify scrutiny of applications and conduct random inspections to prevent further fraud. - Bernama-Xinhua
The Star
23-07-2025
- The Star
18 arrested over forged degree in Hong Kong's talent scheme
HONG KONG, July 23 (Xinhua) -- The Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said on Wednesday that 18 people have been arrested for using forged degrees to apply for Hong Kong's Top Talent Pass Scheme. It was the first time that the department uncovered a criminal syndicate assisting mainland residents in submitting false qualifications for the scheme. The criminal syndicate had been operating for around one and a half years, arranging at least 22 applications. According to preliminary estimates by the department, each application, including follow-up services, was charged up to 2.5 million HK dollars (about 318,471 U.S. dollars), involving a total of 55 million HK dollars. Among those arrested were five Hong Kong residents, aged 42 to 56, believed to be members of the criminal syndicate. The remaining 13 individuals, aged 27 to 47, were mainland residents. Hui Chi-kin, an assistant principal immigration officer of the department, said that the criminal syndicate monitored and tracked posts on mainland social media platforms that shared information about Hong Kong. They then proactively sent private messages to individuals interested in relocating to the city and promoted a "one-stop service package" which included forging overseas university degrees, and providing fake employment certificates to assist with application submissions. Hui said that the department will strictly vet each endorsement and entry permit application, and step up random inspections. (1 U.S. dollar equals 7.85 HK dollars)
RTHK
23-07-2025
- RTHK
Eighteen arrested over forged talent scheme documents
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.
