The police arrested 27 people on suspicion of defrauding social welfare and government services with false identities, including consumer vouchers this year, last year's 10,000 yuan cash distribution plan, CSSA and elderly living allowance, and public housing. The amount involved exceeded 100,000 yuan, and there were also 2 The arrested persons were suspected of registering voters with false information and statements.
The Acting Superintendent of the Commercial Crime Bureau (Fraud and Fraud Investigation Unit) Fung Pei-ki said that the police received intelligence in late September, alleging that someone had used false information and statements to defraud social welfare, government services and other financial gains.
After investigation by the Commercial Crime Bureau, 14 men and 13 women, aged between 21 and 76, were arrested in various locations throughout Hong Kong today (20th).
Feng Peiji said that the investigation found that the case involved 48 Hong Kong residents who were suspected of using false information and statements to obtain dual identities to defraud, including the 2021 consumer voucher plan, the 2020 10,000 yuan cash distribution plan, the CSSA plan, the elderly living allowance and public housing. The amount involved was more than 100,000 yuan. In addition, two arrested persons registered voters with false information and statements. They are investigating their motives. No votes have been found for the time being.
All arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation and must report to the police in late December.
There is no evidence that the 48 people involved are temporarily connected or controlled by the group. 32 of them are in Hong Kong, including 27 arrested. Feng Peiji said that most of them reported that they were unemployed, retirees and housewives, and some were working as drivers. Workers and businessmen, a few have criminal records.
Feng Peiji said that the police are actively investigating the remaining five people and will arrest them if there is sufficient evidence.
Feng reiterated that anyone who uses fraudulent means, including false documents and materials to make statements to obtain disadvantages or losses suffered by others, including government departments and public officials, is committing the crime of fraud in the Theft Ordinance. Once convicted, the maximum penalty is 14 years imprisonment.
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