Mainland Driver Remanded in Cross-Border Illegal Hire Case
SingTao · 5 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A 42-year-old mainland Chinese man holding a two-way permit was charged after an enforcement operation targeting suspected cross-border illegal hire-car services linked to recent concert and Halloween travel demand. He appeared at Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts on October 29, where bail was refused and the case was adjourned to November 12. The charges include breach of conditions of stay, using a vehicle for illegal hire or reward, and using a vehicle without third-party insurance. The case unfolded as West Kowloon traffic police separately carried out undercover operations against other suspected "white-plate" drivers offering paid trips from urban areas to boundary control points.
Key Points
- Enforcement officers said recent concerts and Halloween celebrations led to heavy outbound traffic through land crossings, creating opportunities for illegal cross-border ride solicitation on social platforms
- The 42-year-old arrested man was described as a mainland visitor holding a two-way permit and was charged with three offences after the October 28 operation
- He appeared before Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts on October 29, was denied bail, and was remanded in custody for two weeks pending a November 12 hearing
- In a separate October 30 operation, West Kowloon traffic officers posed as passengers and booked a HK$440 trip from Tsim Sha Tsui to Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point.
- Police then intercepted a seven-seater or private car in Tsim Sha Tsui and arrested a 49-year-old local driver on suspected illegal hire and no third-party insurance offences.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong travellers, the enforcement drive underscores the legal and insurance risks of using unlicensed paid rides, especially on cross-border journeys arranged online. Police said third-party insurance may become invalid when a vehicle is used for illegal hire or reward, potentially leaving passengers and other road users without proper protection after an accident.