Hong Kong police chief backs Interpol 'Silver Notice' to combat illegal funds
Hong Kong police chief Monday Ming says Interpol's 'Silver Notice' pilot, joined by Hong Kong this year, could help fight scam crimes as the Interpol general assembly meets in Hong Kong for the first time. He also details facial recognition rollout and anti-fraud efforts.
Hong Kong's Police Commissioner Monday Ming said preparations are nearly complete for the first-ever Interpol General Assembly to be held in Hong Kong at the end of this month. Speaking on a television programme, Ming revealed that around ten rehearsals and drills have been conducted this year, expressing confidence in the successful hosting of the event.
Ming highlighted the 'Silver Notice' pilot scheme launched by Interpol last year, which targets illegal fund flows. Under the scheme, when a country or region seizes criminal proceeds and issues a 'Silver Notice' through Interpol, other countries or regions can take pre-emptive measures. Hong Kong joined the pilot early this year. Ming said he hopes the notice will be approved at the upcoming assembly and 'put to good use' in combating scam crimes.
Regarding fraud gangs, Ming noted that after the dismantling of a syndicate in northern Myanmar, these groups remain concentrated in ASEAN countries, with some having moved to the Middle East and Africa. He stressed the need for international cross-border cooperation. Cases involving Hong Kong residents being lured and detained have relatively decreased, and the police will continue to work with the Security Bureau and overseas law enforcement agencies.
On Wednesday, the police's 'Sharp Eye' system will activate facial recognition functions. Ming said the system has thresholds to ensure checks and balances, and is not for casual use. It is currently aimed at crime and missing person cases. Asked about connecting the system to shopping malls, Ming said the connection process must ensure data is not leaked or hacked, requiring strong firewalls. The rollout to more malls and third parties will be gradual. He added that the CCTV system has helped raise Hong Kong's crime-solving rate and significantly reduced robbery cases.