Police break up fake ID labor ring for restaurants

Natalie Wong

Thursday, September 30, 2010


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Police have smashed a syndicate that supplied migrant workers from northeastern China with forged Hong Kong identity cards so they could work in local restaurants.

Among the 57 people arrested in the three million yuan (HK$3.48 million) scam were nine managers from Chinese restaurants, including a high-end one in the Mid-Levels.

The Immigration Department carried out the two-day "Forestrike" operation jointly with police officers in Shenzhen and Guangdong.

Twenty-six of the arrests were made in Hong Kong and 31 in Shenzhen. Eleven workshops used to forge identity cards were also shut down.

Those arrested in the Hong Kong operation, mounted yesterday, range in age from 26 to 56 and were equally split between the sexes. They include nine restaurant bosses and 14 illegal workers.

Corrado Chow, assistant director of enforcement and torture claim assessments at the Immigration Department, said the ring brought in more than 100 people from the northeastern region via Shenzhen since March.

Each worker had to pay up 20,000 yuan before they were allowed to set off for Hong Kong. "The workers crossed the border and opened bank accounts in Hong Kong. The syndicate helped them find jobs with Hong Kong identity cards fabricated in Shenzhen," Chow said.

The 14 migrant laborers arrested in Hong Kong - two waiters and 12 cleaning workers - were paid between HK$6,000 and HK$7,000 per month, he said. The money was paid into their bank accounts by check.

In yesterday's joint operation, officers raided six worker residences and six restaurants, including the high-end Mid-Levels eatery.

They also seized 15 fake identity cards and 10 bank books.

Lui Man-fai, chief immigration officer, said: "Those arrested for working illegally here might pose as Hong Kong residents to deceive their bosses with forged documents."

The nine arrested restaurant bosses had conspired with the syndicate to provide jobs for these workers, according to Lui.

The 31 nabbed in Shenzhen included 11 core members of the ring.

Public Security Bureau officers also seized 200 fake identity cards, Hong Kong SAR passports and home-return permits in 11 workshops in Shenzhen.

Scanners, computers and cutting machines allegedly used for preparing the papers were also taken away.

Individuals convicted of possessing a forged Hong Kong identity card face up to 10 years' imprisonment and HK$100,000 fine.

http://www.thestandard.com.hk/ne ... r=20100930&fc=4

Shit! I am worried because I went to Shenzhen a few weeks ago and the regular massage place (with happy ending) I goto asked for my HKID. I asked them why as they never asked me in the past before (I've been going to this place for a few years) and they said it was for registration purposes as it was late at night (2am) and they would erase it afterwards. I stupidly oblidged (thinking with my dick at that time). Then they scanned it into there computer!!

Anyway, I'm thinking now would they sell my info to some dodgy fake id people and then use my info to make fake ID's? Should I report my ID as lost/stolen in HK and get another one? Anyone have any suggestions or am I just paranoid?

Because of the Asian games a lot of establishments are being forced to ask to ask for and note down the IDs

I don't think they would sell your data. It's just in case the police comes in for a spot check, the establishment has to have record of all guests. Very strict everywhere these days. Visiting Zhuhai yesterday, was told that virtually all the saunas have now closed down. Service is still available for the regulars though but in the hotel rooms only.

[ Last edited by  geoduck at 30-9-2010 12:30 ]

A little strange for them to ask for ID for a sauna. I don't think it was done during last Asian Games 4 years ago but policies does change. Shenzhen is about 3 hours away from Guangzhou by bus.

Games are being held in Shanwei, Dongguan, Foshan and Guangzhou.  I don't think any of the games are even being held in SZ.

[ Last edited by  Weelock at 30-9-2010 13:43 ]

Thanks guys I feel a bit better knowing its just a formality thing. Shit sauna's in zhuhai closed!! That takes out the my planned macau/zhuhai weekend. Was going to go macau for punting/casino and finish off relaxing in zhuhai as its cheaper.

Yeah I've noticed its stricter now as a few small sauna's have closed down and even taken down their provocative billboards around Sha Tsui in shenzhen.

How is Sha Tsui ( Sha Zui ) in shenzhen now. I have not been there for about 2 years.  The last time it was only about 30% of normal. Normal is around 2003 to 2006 conditions.  It was my favorite place once.

geez, I'm always weary should anyone ask for my ID to keep with them.  

with identity theft being the next frontier for crime, I'd tell everyone to be vigilant

Sha Zui still has a few good places for massages (they still offer the Dong guan style). Alot of the good places have closed down since 2006 and with it the really pretty girls. Its quite rare now to see any stunners. I believe alot went to Dong guan or Zhuhai or got picked up for the macau/hk scene.

I go their out of convenience rather than quality. Also, its sometimes risky as I recall a huge crackdown a few years back when hk punters were paraded around the streets with shaved heads and locked in detention for 2 weeks.

I usually stick to my regular haunts where they claim they are connected to such and such official, so they have first news on any crackdown. Also, they have hidden rooms behind walls. I'm serious like batman style where the rooms are sealed sections in buildings with no windows and the entry/exit point is via a fake wall (lined with workers lockers and other crap). Its a death trap if there's a fire.

I would probably be cautious while going out.  Why isn't there a good sprinkle system
to take care of the fire in most building in HK?  It's funny now that you mention it, I rarely see fire extinguishers, or
hoses in most buildings.