Police smash illegal ride-hailing operation, driver arrested

Police targeted suspected illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward, arresting a 49-year-old male driver.

The private car involved was towed away for examination.

Police said on Thursday, officers possed as passengers and hailed the vehicle via an intermediary platform to travel from Heng Fa Chuen to quarry Bay for a fee of 121 dollars.

As soon as the car set off, officers revealed their identity and arrested the driver.

He is suspected of illegal carriage of passengers for reward and driving without third-party insurance.

Police reminded the public not to use illegal ride-hailing services, warning if involved in a traffic accident, third-party insurance may be voided, affecting protection for passengers and pedestrians.

Drivers engaged in illegal carriage of passengers for reward face a maximum fine of 10,000 dollars and six months' imprisonment upon a first conviction, alongside a driving disqualification of at least one year.