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Hong Kong customs intercepts Macau-bound riverboat suspected of smuggling HK$23 million in cash, arrests 2

  • Two men, aged 45 and 76, arrested earlier this month on suspicion of smuggling goods to Macau
  • Vessel said to be carrying daily necessities and cosmetics, along with cash

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Hong Kong customs has intercepted a riverboat bound for Macau suspected of smuggling HK$23 million. Photo: May Tse

Hong Kong customs has intercepted a riverboat bound for Macau suspected of smuggling HK$23 million (US$2.9 million) in cash, marking the first time such a vessel has been used to move a large amount of money into the city.

The Customs and Excise Department said two men, aged 45 and 76, were arrested earlier this month on suspicion of being the consignors of four containers on the vessel which were loaded with alleged smuggled goods.

Hong Kong customs exchanged intelligence with its counterpart in Macau and uncovered the containers on June 18 after an inspection of the riverboat in the city’s northwestern waters.

The ship was said to be carrying a cargo of daily necessities and cosmetics.

Hong Kong customs seized HK$23 million in an anti-smuggling operation. Photo: May Tse
Hong Kong customs seized HK$23 million in an anti-smuggling operation. Photo: May Tse

“Land transport has been disrupted since the pandemic, so criminals have used sea routes to smuggle the goods,” said Grace Tang Wai-ngan, acting head of the department’s syndicate crimes investigation bureau.

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