Burst
Written by: Yang Wanting and Chen Haoran
2021-05-07 18:00
Last update date: 2021-05-07 18:03
Variant viruses hit Hong Kong, and the collection of samples of deep throat saliva is "hard to find." Some criminals actually resell them for profit, and there is even more speculation on the Internet.
Earlier, it was revealed that someone was selling a sample collection package that was originally free for 25 yuan on an online second-hand platform, and the police even discovered that some were priced at 50,000 yuan.
After investigation, officers of the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Investigation Bureau arrested a 55-year-old man on suspicion of "theft". The officers discovered that he had used multiple Octopus cards to obtain a large number of them at the automatic distribution machine at Prince Edward MTR station in the early morning of May. After the sample package, it was resold on different trading platforms for profit at a price of 25 yuan each, and a total of 90 have been sold so far.
The 55-year-old arrested man was suspected of using multiple Octopus cards to collect a large number of samples from the automatic distribution machine at the MTR Prince Edward Station and reselling them on different trading platforms at a price of $25 each for profit. A total of 90 have been sold so far. .
(Profile picture)
The police noticed that different media recently reported on the online speculation of sample packs, and at the same time received reports from the public. Cybercrime officers immediately launched online inspections and found that criminals had requested a large number of sample packs at different distribution points, and they were on multiple websites Resale profits on the trading platform range from HK$25 to 50,000.
The personnel negotiated with different online platforms, saying that the relevant sales activities were suspected to be illegal, and some posts were deleted after intervention.
Cybercrime officers later successfully targeted a 55-year-old local man who reported unemployed, suspected to be related to the recent case of selling sample packages online, and arrested the man on suspicion of "theft" in Prince Edward yesterday (6th).
The investigation found that the arrested person used multiple Octopus to request a large number of sample packages at the automatic distribution machine at Prince Edward MTR station in early May, and then reselled them on different trading platforms at a price of 25 yuan each for profit. And provide meet-to-settlement or fee-based courier services.
During the operation, the police seized 53 unused sample packs, 19 Octopus cards and 4 smartphones used to obtain sample packs from the arrested person's residence.
The arrested person is now being detained for investigation.
The case is still under investigation, and the police do not rule out more arrests.
Someone sells sample packages believed to come from various distribution points on the Internet. Some of the pictures of the goods are printed with the words "Department of Health" and logos. Each charge is about 25 yuan for a "collection fee."
(Profile picture)
Up to 30 sold in one day
The police initially believe that the arrested person is operating alone. He has sold more than 90 sample packs, with about 20 customers, and up to 30 can be sold in one day.
The arrested person hoarded a large number of sample packages for resale for profit, contrary to the original intention of the government to distribute sample packages, and believed that he had dishonestly embezzled government property in violation of the crime of theft.
The police will thoroughly investigate his motives for committing the crime and will further consult the Department of Justice.
As for whether the buyer who purchased the sample package violated the law, Chief Inspector Fan Junye of the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Investigation Technology Crime Unit pointed out that according to Article 24 of the Theft Ordinance, if someone knows or believes that the goods are stolen goods, they will still deal with them and accept them. Or sell them, and have the opportunity to commit the crime of "handling stolen goods."
In addition, Fan reminded the public that according to the "Theft" stipulated in Article 9 of the Theft Ordinance, Chapter 210 of the Laws of Hong Kong, anyone dishonestly embezzles property belonging to another person with the intention of permanently depriving that other person of his property. , It is an offence. Once convicted, the maximum penalty is 10 years’ imprisonment.
Fan advised the public to take care of themselves and others at the critical moment of the fight against the pandemic, help each other, fight the pandemic with one heart, and refrain from selfish behavior or abuse of the government's anti-epidemic resources, because it will seriously affect others and prevent citizens in need from being tested in a timely manner. , And these actions violate the original intention of the government to distribute sample packages and hinder Hong Kong’s progress in overcoming the epidemic.
MTR has placed sample collection kits at various stations.
(Provided by MTR, the picture shows inside Tai Wai Station)
In order to cooperate with citizens who feel that they are at higher risk of infection and are mildly unwell receiving virus testing services, the HA distributes sample collection kits and collects samples through its 47 general out-patient clinics, and has also set up sample kit distribution points at 121 post offices throughout Hong Kong , For the convenience of the public, the government has set up automatic dispatching machines at 20 MTR stations.
The citizens can receive the sample collection package for free.
When MTR responded to media enquiries earlier, it said that it would step up relevant notices to remind passengers.
MTR specially hired additional contractor security personnel to maintain order at the scene.
If security guards notice that the public has multiple Octopus cards and wish to receive multiple collection packages, they will ask the public to queue up again.
In the event that the public does not cooperate, if the contractor’s staff fails to give advice, they will ask the station staff for assistance, or call the police for help if necessary.
Coronavirus disease