Yuen Long vice crackdown arrests 21 mainland women
HK01 · 3 SOURCESabout 6 hours ago1 MIN
Summary
A joint police and immigration operation in Yuen Long led to the arrest of 21 mainland Chinese women in a crackdown on illegal prostitution on November 11. The suspects, aged between 18 and 73, were detained on suspicion of breaching their conditions of stay.
Key Points
- Yuen Long Police District and Immigration Department officers carried out the anti-vice operation, codenamed Flintstone, in the district on November 11.
- Officers arrested 21 mainland Chinese women, aged 18 to 73, on suspicion of breaching conditions of stay.
- HK01 reported that all of those arrested were holders of two-way permits used by mainland residents visiting Hong Kong.
- Sing Tao said the oldest arrestee, aged 73, was also allegedly involved in prostitution in the case.
- All arrested women were being detained for investigation, while police said they would continue stepping up enforcement against prostitution-related illegal activities in Yuen Long.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, the case underlines that visitors are barred from taking up paid or unpaid work, running or joining a business, or engaging in prostitution without permission under the Immigration Ordinance. A breach of stay conditions can lead to a fine of up to HK$50,000 and two years' imprisonment, and HK01 said convicted offenders are typically jailed immediately before removal and blacklisting.