Syndicate forges qualifications for helping mainlanders seek talent pass
發佈日期: 2025-07-23 20:13
TVB News
Immigration officers have smashed a forgery syndicate that supplied mainland residents with fake credentials to obtain entry permits under the Top Talent Pass Scheme.
Five syndicate members and 13 permit applicants were arrested.
The Immigration Department said the syndicate charged up to 2.5 million dollars per application.
A large amount bank deposit slips, a record book of the syndicate, suspected fraudulent credentials, as well as employment contracts were seized by immigration officers during their operation in April.
Authorities said the syndicate promoted its service on mainland social media platforms, touting that they can help people obtain Hong Kong resident status without a prolonged physical presence.
Applicants had to pay 1 to 1.5 million dollars for the fraudulent documents, including forged overseas university certificates and student visas, as well as fake employment records and so on.
After the applicants were granted permits under the talent scheme, the syndicate would again charge 600,000 to 1 million dollars for follow-up services, such as providing local employment and salary records for applying for an extension of stay.
The arrestees included five syndicate members and 13 mainlanders who applied for the talent pass.
The applicants are aged between 27 to 47.
All of them were accused of making false statements, while the agency members were additionally charged with money laundering.
The authorities believe the syndicate had been in operation for a year and a half.
It allegedly has handled at least 22 cases, involving up to 55 million dollars in total.
Assistant Principal Immigration Officer Hui Chi-kin said people who wish to stay in Hong Kong do not require a middleman to help with their application.
He added that applicants who have obtained residency through fraudulent means may be liable to criminal consequences and lose their right to stay in Hong Kong.
