Hong Kong Customs busts unregistered precious metals dealer in HK$120,000 cash deal
Hong Kong Customs has uncovered a case in which an unregistered precious metals and stones dealer conducted a cash transaction of HK$120,000 or more, in violation of anti-money laundering laws. The suspect, not holding a B-class registration, faces a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and six months in jail
Hong Kong Customs announced on 23 October 2026 that it has detected a case involving a non-B-class registered precious metals and stones dealer conducting a specified cash transaction. Under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Chapter 615), anyone intending to carry out a precious metals and stones business in Hong Kong and making or receiving a transaction of HK$120,000 or more must register with Customs.
Only B-class registrants are allowed to conduct cash transactions of HK$120,000 or more in the course of their precious metals and stones business. Any dealer who is not a B-class registrant but claims to be one, claims to be authorised to do so, or actually carries out such a cash transaction commits an offence. Upon conviction, the offender is liable to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for six months.
Customs reminded all precious metals and stones dealers that they must obtain the relevant registration before conducting any cash or non-cash transaction amounting to HK$120,000 or more. Application forms, procedures, and guidelines are available on the Precious Metals and Stones Dealers Registration System website (www.drs.customs.gov.hk) or the Customs website (www.customs.gov.hk/tc/service-enforcement-information/anti-money-laundering/supervision-of-dealers-in-precious-metals-and-ston/index.html).
Members of the public can report suspected unregistered transactions of HK$120,000 or more involving precious metals and stones by calling the Customs 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, emailing [email protected], or using the online form at eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002.