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2025
The 15th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference, hosted by the Supreme People's Procuratorate of the People’s Republic of China and organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s Department of Justice, was held in Hong Kong today. The conference’s theme "Combatting Money Laundering and Corruption, and Recovering Assets in the Technological Age" calls for unity as China and ASEAN member states join hands to rise to such challenges in the digital era. Around 80 participants attended the event, including prosecutors general, attorneys general, and representatives from prosecution authorities from China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states. Chief Grand Prosecutor and Prosecutor General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate Ying Yong, Chief Executive John Lee and Secretary for Justice Paul Lam officiated at the opening ceremony. Mr Ying said at the ceremony that the theme of the conference reflects the shared understanding among participants regarding the harms of money laundering, corruption, and cross-border transfer of illicit funds. It also embodies the common aspiration of prosecutorial authorities across jurisdictions to strengthen international anti-money laundering and anti-corruption co-operation, and deepen collaboration in recovering criminal assets to safeguard regional security and stability while promoting common development, he added. The Chief Executive thanked the central government for organising and supporting Hong Kong in hosting the conference. He said Hong Kong, being the only bilingual common law jurisdiction under the "one country, two systems" principle, has full capability to uphold the rule of law and act as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution in the Asia-Pacific region. Mr Lee also noted that countries should work together in the technological age to make use of innovative technology to combat the so-called innovators of crime, and build a future where technology serves safety. Meanwhile, Mr Lam pointed out that Hong Kong, under the "one country, two systems" principle, has close legal co-operation with ASEAN member states, including the signing of bilateral mutual legal assistance agreements, taking forward co-operation based on reciprocity and implementing key international conventions to combat transnational crime. The justice secretary added that the city will strengthen collaboration with ASEAN member states to combat transnational crime in response to the developments in the region's economic and social landscape. Addressing the conference’s plenary session, Mr Lam proposed a multipronged approach to combat money laundering and corruption in a technological age. These include strengthening public education and imposing heavier penalties to deter members of the general public from laundering money for others, strict enforcement of legal duties for financial institutions to detect and report suspicious transactions, using legal means to stop dissipation of funds in money laundering as well as enhancing the prosecution's capability to handle technological crimes. During the conference, heads of delegations of China and ASEAN member states will sign a joint declaration to reaffirm the commitment to fight against transnational crimes, including money laundering and corruption.
The Security Bureau today launched "Easy Boundary", a one-stop information platform on immigration clearance, to provide Hong Kong residents and visitors with the latest information on various land boundary control points (BCPs), helping them plan their cross-boundary trips. "Easy Boundary" uses green, yellow and red lights to signify the situation of land BCPs in three levels: "Normal", "Busy" and "Very Busy", respectively, with rough estimates of the average waiting time. Additionally, with the aim of keeping passengers informed, the relevant information will be updated every 15 minutes. Previously, passengers had to obtain the information now available on "Easy Boundary" from different platforms, such as by checking the waiting time at the departure/arrival halls of BCPs and road traffic conditions respectively on the Immigration Department (ImmD) and Transport Department (TD) mobile applications. From now on, passengers can obtain useful information on "Easy Boundary" in one go, including the respective average waiting time for passengers and private cars at land BCPs, as well as for the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) cross-boundary shuttle bus (Gold Bus) and the Lok Ma Chau-Huanggang cross-boundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus). "Easy Boundary" will also display real-time ad hoc situations at BCPs, including major traffic accidents nearby. If a "Very Busy" signal is displayed in respect of a particular control point or if an emergency occurs, passengers may consider using other ports or allowing sufficient time for immigration clearance. Moreover, "Easy Boundary" is also integrated with links to obtain other real-time information, including real-time information on immigration clearance from "iPort", a WeChat mini programme of the Office of Port of Entry & Exit of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, and that of the HZMB Zhuhai Port, as well as Hong Kong's real-time traffic conditions. Information on "Easy Boundary" is provided by the ImmD, the Police Force and the TD. In the next phase, the platform will introduce real-time images, and utilise advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence, to assess the real-time situation of immigration clearance at land BCPs.
Following the discovery of a wartime bomb in Quarry Bay yesterday, an evacuation and bomb disposal operation was conducted to resolve the crisis in a safe and orderly manner. In a roundup report tonight on the incident, the Government said the departments involved swiftly activated their emergency mechanisms, worked closely together and demonstrated a high level of professionalism and teamwork. Throughout the entire process, various sectors of society actively provided support and assistance. Citizens displayed exemplary orderliness, complete understanding and full co-operation, reflecting the outstanding qualities of Hong Kong people and resulting in a successful resolution. Police received a report at noon yesterday that a suspected bomb was discovered at a construction site at 16-94 Pan Hoi Street, North Point. Officers were deployed to the scene to carry out the investigation and handling arrangements. Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau (EODB) officers confirmed that the bomb was a cylindrical American aerial bomb from World War II, approximately 150cm in length, weighing about 1,000 pounds and containing 500 pounds of high explosives, posing a significant danger. The Security Bureau swiftly mobilised nearly 500 personnel from Police, the Fire Services Department (FSD), the Civil Aid Service and the Auxiliary Medical Service (AMS) to participate in the emergency response operation. The Emergency Monitoring & Support Centre was immediately activated to fully co-ordinate and support the Government’s cross-departmental emergency work. In preparation for the disposal operation, Police conducted a comprehensive impact assessment, and evacuated occupants from 18 residential or commercial buildings nearby, to ensure public safety and minimise the impact on the public. EODB officers started the bomb disposal operation last night and successfully completed it at 11.48am today. The cordon was lifted immediately after that. The FSD deployed a total of 58 fire and ambulance vehicles, and mobilised 224 fire and ambulance personnel during the incident. Co-ordinating with Police, the FSD ultimately evacuated a total of 2,887 residents. In addition, the FSD collaborated with the AMS and Hong Kong St John Ambulance to assist residents with special needs, transporting five residents who were feeling unwell to the hospital, and another six people to other suitable accommodations. After the disposal operation was completed, the FSD dispatched the newly introduced mass conveyance ambulance to take eight people in need and with limited mobility back home. Around 450 residents stayed in the 19 temporary shelters set up by the Home Affairs Department last night in response to the evacuation. The District Office arranged coaches to take those in need to the shelters. Similar arrangements were made today to take them home. District Council members, together with District Services & Community Care Teams members and volunteers assisted residents in need at the affected buildings and temporary shelters. In addition, the Transport Department’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre operated round the clock to oversee the orderly implementation of various special traffic and transport arrangements. The Government said the swift, safe and smooth resolution of the bomb disposal situation hinged on the close co-operation of various government departments and their dedication to duty, and the active co-operation and support of Care Teams, community service organisations as well as the affected citizens. It thanks the public and the participating organisations and institutions for their support and collaboration.
The Government today cautioned members of the public not to believe online videos and related articles purported to be interviews with officials of the Financial Secretary’s Private Office and the Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau introducing the use of “e-HKD” for dividend distribution to shareholders. The Government clarified that the videos and articles are totally fictitious and are intended to deceive. It also advised citizens not to fall for the scam. The case has been reported to Police for investigation.
Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki met Head of Office of the European Union (EU) to Hong Kong Harvey Rouse this afternoon at the Central Government Offices, solemnly reiterating that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strongly disapproves of and rejects the annual report of the European Commission. The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance so as to safeguard national security according to the law, protect the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people, and ensure the steady and long-term implementation of “one country, two systems”. The Hong Kong SAR Government asked for this meeting. Secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang and Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung also attended the meeting. Mr Chan stressed that it is each and every sovereign state's inherent right to enact laws safeguarding national security, and it is also an international practice. The EU exposed its double standards as it pointed fingers at Hong Kong's legal system and enforcement mechanisms to safeguard national security, while totally disregarding the constitutional duty and practical needs of the city to legislate, and the positive effects brought by the enactment of the national security legislation on economic development and the protection of human rights. Mr Chan reiterated that establishing the mechanism for safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR will not undermine the independent judicial power. Hong Kong SAR's judicial system continues to be protected by the Basic Law. When adjudicating cases concerning offence endangering national security, as in any other cases, judges remain independent and impartial in performing their judicial duties, free from any interference. At the same time, the Hong Kong SAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, which have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. Mr Chan strongly urged the EU to respect facts, abide by international law and basic norms governing international relations, and immediately stop its long-arm jurisdiction and interference in Hong Kong matters, which are purely China's internal affairs.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, leading a cross-professional delegation, promoted Hong Kong's legal and other professional services in Xinjiang to boost bilateral co-operation and jointly contribute to the Belt & Road Initiative. While attending a seminar organised by the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Xinjiang Lawyers Association yesterday, Mr Lam highlighted that Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction in China and noted that it possesses unique strengths of internationalisation, high standards, and strong credibility in its common law system. As an international legal and dispute resolution services centre, Hong Kong's professional service teams are capable and willing to leverage their expertise to contribute to Xinjiang's high-quality development, he added. The DoJ and the Department of Justice of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region signed a framework agreement for legal service co-operation at the seminar wherein the departments of justice of both places will foster exchanges and business co-operation. Additionally, the Hong Kong Bar Association signed a memorandum of co-operation with the Xinjiang Lawyers Association to strengthen collaboration between Xinjiang lawyers and Hong Kong barristers to promote exchanges between the legal professions of both places. Mr Lam also met Secretary of the CPC Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Regional Committee Chen Xiaojiang and the Department of Justice of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. After attending a luncheon with Deputy Secretary of the CPC Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Regional Committee Chen Mingguo, the Secretary for Justice visited the Silk Road Economic Belt Legal Service District and the Urumqi Court of International Arbitration to learn about their operations. Apart from touring a Hong Kong-invested enterprise and the Xinjiang International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, Mr Lam met Vice Chairman of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Xinjiang Production & Construction Xue Bin. Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong tomorrow.
Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts today handed down a review decision, accepting the Government's application for review of an earlier court sentence and increasing the fines imposed on the relevant contractors. The Labour Department welcomes the decision. The case involved a fatal accident that occurred on December 14, 2022, at a construction site in Yau Tong. A worker, while dismantling an I-beam, was struck and killed by the suddenly collapsed I-beam. Aggressive Construction Engineering, High Grade Engineering and a contractor were prosecuted by the department for violations of the Factories & Industrial Undertakings Ordinance and its subsidiary regulations, and were fined $36,000, $43,000 and $35,000 respectively at Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts on October 31, 2024. After the sentencing, the Government filed a review application with the court regarding the fines imposed on the relevant contractors. The review hearing was brought up today before the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts. The fines imposed on Aggressive Construction Engineering, High Grade Engineering and the contractor were increased to $74,000, $79,000 and $74,000 respectively. The department said that the ruling reflects the severity of occupational safety and health offences, and will disseminate a clear message to all contractors that they have to protect workers' safety and health at work in accordance with the laws. The Government will continue to pay attention to court rulings and will file review applications for cases where the sentences are relatively light.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, leading a multidisciplinary delegation, will depart for Urumqi in Xinjiang tomorrow to promote Hong Kong’s advantages in its legal system and professional services, and to explore the strengthening of Hong Kong-Xinjiang co-operation. The delegation comprises members of Hong Kong’s legal, arbitration and mediation sectors as well as financial and business sectors. On Friday, Mr Lam and the delegation will attend a seminar on the role of Hong Kong’s common law in contributing to the Belt & Road Initiative and a networking dinner, organised by the Department of Justice and the Xinjiang Lawyers Association. They will give a briefing on the advantages of Hong Kong’s common law system and how its legal, dispute resolution and financial services can contribute to Xinjiang’s opening up and facilitate business development. During the visit, the delegation will also meet local leaders and learn about the development of the local legal services industry. Mr Lam will return to Hong Kong on Sunday. During his absence, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will be Acting Secretary.
The Second Reading of the Registration of Same-sex Partnerships Bill was voted down by the Legislative Council today, with 14 votes in favour, 71 votes against and one vote abstaining. The Government said it respects LegCo's decision and lawmakers’ voting results. The Government added that it all along respects the rule of law and fulfils the requirements of the court's ruling. It highlighted that the bill was introduced in exercising the responsibility of the executive authorities empowered by the Basic Law to propose and introduce bills. In accordance with the Basic Law, LegCo has the functions and powers to scrutinise and pass bills. The Government also pointed out that the introduction and scrutinising of the bill has demonstrated the shouldering of responsibilities among the executive authorities, LegCo and the Judiciary in exercising their constitutional functions and discharging their respective duties effectively. As the bill has been voted down, the Government will not apply to the court for an extension of the suspension period and will further discuss and study the issue with the Department of Justice.
Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law today convened a meeting to co-ordinate the preparation for visitor arrivals to Hong Kong during the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week from October 1 to 8. Miss Law noted that the eight-day National Day Golden Week overlaps with the Mid-Autumn Festival and various activities will take place in Hong Kong simultaneously, bringing a rich and vibrant tourism experience to visitors. “Relevant departments of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will maintain close liaison with relevant organisations and the travel trade with a view to making good preparation, ensuring the smooth operation of various aspects of receiving visitors and offering them a high-quality experience." Representatives from Customs, Police, the Immigration Department, the Transport Department and various District Offices participated in the meeting. Also attending were representatives from the Travel Industry Authority, Tourism Board, Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, West Kowloon Cultural District Authority as well as major tourist attractions and the hotel industry.