The 63-year-old Hong Kong man married 3 mainland residents on paid leave in his early years and was sentenced to 22 months in prison

The Immigration Department announced today (16th) that a 63-year-old Hong Kong resident man entered into marriages with three mainland residents between 2004 and 2013, receiving HK$7,000 to HK$20,000 as rewards. He was charged with three counts of conspiracy to defraud and pleaded guilty to the charges at Shatin Magistrates’ Court yesterday (15th). He was found guilty and sentenced to 22 months’ imprisonment.

The incident occurred between 2004 and 2013 and earned HK$7,000 to HK$20,000

The Immigration Department’s Investigation Operations Team found that the defendant entered into marriages with three mainland residents between 2004 and 2013 when following up on a case involving a fake marriage intermediary. As the Immigration Department had doubts about the authenticity of the defendant’s marriages, it launched an investigation into him.

The defendant admitted under caution that he had entered into fake marriages with three mainland residents through the arrangement of an intermediary to help them obtain Hong Kong visitor visas and Hong Kong residence status. The defendant received HK$7,000 to HK$20,000 as rewards. The Immigration Department is continuing to investigate other persons involved in the case and does not rule out the possibility of more arrests.

The Immigration Department will continue to vigorously combat fake marriages

The Immigration Department spokesman said that the department has always been very concerned about the illegal activities of non-local residents obtaining Hong Kong residence status through fake marriages with Hong Kong residents, and will continue to vigorously combat such crimes. Anyone who obtains Hong Kong residence status by deception will have his or her Hong Kong identity card and residence qualification revoked in accordance with the law, and the person involved will eventually be repatriated to his or her place of origin.

The Immigration Department spokesman also warned that according to the Immigration Ordinance, it is an offence for any person to make a false representation to an Immigration Department staff member. Once convicted, the maximum fine is HK$150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years. Aiders and abettors are also guilty of the same crime. In addition, according to the Crimes Ordinance, any person who commits the crime of conspiracy to defraud may be sentenced to a maximum of 14 years’ imprisonment upon conviction.