Hong Kong Cracks Down on Smuggling; Seizes Three Containers

On June 28, Hong Kong Customs announced the seizure of three containers filled with smuggled electronic goods and automobile parts, valued at HK$100 million (US$12.8 million), during an operation named Big Wave.

Utilizing intelligence analysis and risk assessment, customs officers identified that the smugglers planned to use ocean-going vessels for transporting the illicit goods. They subsequently targeted three suspicious containers destined for Malaysia from Hong Kong.

Upon inspection, the officers found a substantial quantity of suspected smuggled items, including circuit boards, smartphones, tablet computers, and automobile parts, concealed within the containers. The containers were falsely declared as carrying aluminum sheets, aluminum alloys, and communication accessories to avoid substantial export or import duties.

A 60-year-old man, believed to be connected to one of the cases, was arrested following the investigation. The case remains under investigation, and the arrested man is currently out on bail pending further inquiries. Hong Kong Customs indicated that additional arrests may follow.