Hong Kong customs and fire services smash illegal fuel network in citywide raids
Hong Kong Customs and the Fire Services Department have conducted joint raids across the city, seizing about 12,000 litres of untaxed petrol and 14,000 litres of diesel. Seven illegal fuel storage sites and five illegal petrol stations were busted, with nine people arrested.
Hong Kong Customs and the Fire Services Department have carried out a territory-wide operation against illegal fuel activities, raiding seven locations and arresting nine people. The operation targeted both the supply and retail ends of the illicit trade.
Customs officers smashed two illegal petrol storage warehouses in San Tin and Tuen Mun, seizing about 12,000 litres of untaxed petrol, a prime mover, two private cars, numerous storage tanks, plastic containers and refuelling tools. A male driver was arrested. Customs believes these warehouses were used as transit points for illegal petrol, with cross-border vehicles smuggling untaxed fuel into the warehouses before it was distributed by mobile vehicles to illegal petrol stations in the city.
In separate raids, customs and fire services officers busted five illegal petrol stations in Kowloon Bay, Kwun Tong, Kam Tin, Kwai Chung and Tuen Mun. They seized about 4,000 litres of untaxed petrol, 14,000 litres of diesel, four private cars and a light goods vehicle. Eight people were arrested, including operators of illegal stations and customers who were buying fuel.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, vehicles found carrying untaxed petrol and any tools or items used or intended for use in related offences are subject to forfeiture, regardless of whether anyone is convicted. Anyone who deals with, possesses, sells or buys untaxed petrol commits an offence and faces a maximum fine of HK$1 million and two years' imprisonment upon conviction.
Under the Fire Service (Elimination of Fire Hazards) Regulation, it is an offence for anyone to possess or control regulated substances for the purpose of transferring them into a vehicle fuel tank for business purposes. The Dangerous Goods Ordinance also makes it an offence to manufacture, store, transport or use dangerous goods without a licence or exemption. First-time offenders face a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and six months' imprisonment, with subsequent convictions carrying fines of up to HK$200,000 and one year's imprisonment.
Customs reminded cross-border truck drivers not to participate in any smuggling activities. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, altering a vehicle's fittings, structures or fixtures for smuggling, or using such altered items, is an offence and the vehicle may be forfeited. Smuggling is a serious offence, with a maximum penalty of a HK$2 million fine and seven years' imprisonment upon conviction.
The public can report suspected illegal fuel activities by calling the Customs 24-hour hotline at 182 8080 or the Fire Services Department 24-hour hotline at 5577 9666. Reports can also be made through the Fire Services Department's electronic fire hazard reporting platform at fhcp.hkfsd.gov.hk, using the 'Oil Strike Reporting Eye' function.