Immigration Fraud – Hong Kong resident jailed for entering into bogus marriages with Mainland residents

A female Hong Kong resident who entered into bogus marriages with Mainland residents was convicted of one count of conspiracy to defraud in the District Court on February 23 and was sentenced to 10 months’ imprisonment today (March 12).

The 39-year-old defendant was intercepted on August 19, 2009, for having entered into bogus marriages with Mainland residents. Under caution, the defendant admitted to have entered into bogus marriages for pecuniary reward.

“Under the laws of Hong Kong, anyone who commits the offence of conspiracy to defraud is liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, to a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment,” an Immigration Department spokesman said.

“For people who have obtained their residence in Hong Kong by fraudulent means, their Hong Kong identity card and residence status will be declared invalid according to the laws of Hong Kong. They will also be subject to removal back to their place of origin,” the spokesman said.