There are illegal data lending groups that lend money at high interest rates. When the debtors are unable to repay, they entrust people with gang backgrounds to collect the data, including soliciting young people to come to their homes to post threatening notes and drenching oil.
The Shatin Police District noticed the increasing trend of illegal collection of debts, so it launched an operation code-named "Fire Pupil" and arrested 16 persons on suspicion of committing "criminal damage", "loitering", "lending money at excessive interest rates" and "Breach of money lender conditions" and other crimes, the youngest of which is only 15 years old.
In order to guide the youths on the right track, the Shatin Police District invited 6 elite athletes to assist the police in promoting and building the awareness of law-abiding and crime prevention among the youths.
During the operation, the police seized a large amount of evidence, such as red oil cans, digital receipts, mobile phones, computers and cash.
(Photo by Luo Minyan)
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Shatin Police District Anti-Triad Action Team Chief Inspector Li Junlong explained the case, saying that Shatin Police District has noticed an upward trend in illegal data collection cases recently. Divided into two stages: The first stage focuses on crime prevention and education. The district staff, together with the owners of hardware stores, property management company personnel and security guards, held several forums to explain the latest crime trends and crime tactics, so as to ensure the Stop and combat related crimes at the source.
The second stage is an intelligence-led law enforcement and arrest operation. During the operation, the police successfully arrested 15 men and 1 woman (aged 15 to 50) who reported to be students, construction workers, businessmen and unemployed. There were 11 illegal collection cases in the district in September.
The police noticed that there are illegal financial companies that lend money at an annual interest rate of 360%. When the debtor fails to repay on time, some people entrust people with triad backgrounds to illegally collect the amount.
Under the pretext of "getting quick money," they would invite young people to come and harass debtors for a payment of several hundred to one thousand yuan, including posting threatening notes and drenching them with oil.
Two of the arrested men are being detained for investigation.
The remaining arrested persons were released on bail and must report to the police in late November.
Among the 16 arrested persons, including directors of some financial companies, intermediaries with triad backgrounds, and teenagers who were lured into the crime, the police also seized a large amount of evidence, such as red oil cans, digital receipts, mobile phones, computers and cash.
Lai Junlong continued to point out that if he comes to the house to harass the debtor excessively, it may constitute a crime of loitering.
Li Junlong said that teenagers are the pillars of the future of society, but the survey found that many teenagers did not understand the seriousness of the crime.
The police pointed out that the maximum penalties for "loitering" and "criminal damage" can be imprisoned for 2 years and 10 years respectively. Even if the convicted person is a minor, he has the opportunity to have a criminal record. center, renewal center, training center or reformatory, etc.
Li Junlong called on young people not to take risks and participate in illegal collection activities.
The police invited 6 elite athletes to help promote and build the awareness of law-abiding and crime prevention among young people.
(Photo by Luo Minyan)
Shatin Police District Assistant Police Community Relations Officer Inspector Au Wing-chi (former Hong Kong squash representative) said that in order to guide young people on the right track, Shatin Police District invited 6 elite athletes as role models for young people to assist the police in promoting and establishing law-abiding and crime-prevention policies for young people Awareness and avoid falling into the trap of outlaws.
The Police hope to strengthen the interaction with young people through sports activities and cultivate sportsmanship.
In addition, Au Wing-chi pointed out that the Police will, together with all disciplined services, organize a "Leadership Involvement Project" to lead young people in the district to visit the work of the disciplined services. Mainly for teachers, social workers and parents, the goal is to strengthen communication with young people and build their awareness of law-abiding and crime prevention.