A 66-year-old key member of a sham marriage syndicate suspected of arranging at least 37 sham marriages involving an amount exceeding HK$1.5 million pleaded guilty to nine counts of conspiracy to defraud in the District Court today (13th) and was sentenced to 28 months in prison.
Earlier, from 2 suspected sham marriage cases, the Immigration Department found that there were more than 30 other cases with similar criminal techniques, targeting a key member of a criminal syndicate who solicited and arranged fake marriages between Hong Kong residents and mainland residents, arrested the key member of the syndicate, and arrested him at the gang. The sham marriage agreement, photocopies of local or mainland resident identification documents, diaries and mobile phones were seized from his home.
During the entire operation, a total of 34 persons, including 11 men and 23 women, aged between 23 and 66, were arrested, including registered social workers and university students.
Among those arrested, 23 have been charged.
Earlier, seven had pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud and were sentenced to 8 to 18 months in prison respectively, while the remaining 15 are awaiting sentencing.
The Immigration Department said, "Investigation operations are still ongoing, and it cannot be ruled out that more persons involved in the case will be arrested."
The spokesman said that it has noticed that there are criminal syndicates who spread the message of "quick money" through newspapers, instant messaging software and dating apps, claiming that they can earn huge remuneration and induce Hong Kong people to participate in fake marriages. The criminal syndicate will provide a one-stop service. Services, including handling documents, and even escorting them to the mainland to register marriages, and enticing them to attract more fake marriages.
The spokesman stressed that anyone who obtains Hong Kong resident status by fraudulent means will have their eligibility to stay in Hong Kong and their identity card revoked in accordance with the law, and the person involved will eventually be repatriated to their place of origin.
No one should try the law by himself or take part in any sham marriages registered anywhere, or make false representations to immigration staff when registering marriages in Hong Kong.
Referring another person to participate in a bogus marriage may also constitute conspiracy to defraud.
According to Section 42 of the Immigration Ordinance, it is an offence for any person to make false statements or representations to the staff of the Immigration Department. Upon conviction, the maximum fine is HK$150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years. Aiding and abetting the same offence.
It is an offence for any person to knowingly and wilfully make a false oath or make or sign a false declaration in order to procure a marriage or obtain a certificate or permit for marriage and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for up to 7 years and a fine.
Conspiracy to defraud is punishable by up to 14 years in prison if convicted.
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