Warning as in-flight thefts surge

 

The thefts on board airplanes traveling from HK has surged by 164%

The police in Hong Kong have again warned the public to be always on guard when they travel because of a surge in in-flight thefts.

Recent police figures showed that a total of 132 thefts have been recorded on flights headed to Hong Kong in the first eight months of the year alone, marking a  164% increase in the same period last year.

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The most serious incident happened on a flight from Switzerland on Aug. 30, in which a passenger reported losing a luxury watch valued at $4.16 million.

According to a police spokesman, the male passenger had stored his backpack containing the high-end watch in the overhead compartment above his seat. He found the expensive watch missing on his arrival in Hong Kong.

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In another incident that happened only last month,  a Filipino couple who flew aboard a  Philippine airlines flight to Manila from Hong Kong lost three credit cards, which thieves immediately used to purchase luxury items in Malaysia that amounted to 70,800 RM (Malaysian Ringgit) (HK$ 127,500 or Php 913,000) in total.

The cards were inside a wallet that the husband had put in the bottom part of his backpack which he then stored in the overhead compartment above his seat. The couple discovered the credit cards missing when they were already in the Philippines.

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In an update, the couple said they are still trying to get the banks which issued the cards to write off the amounts incurred by the air thieves.

Police said the surge in the number of on-board thefts, which has now already exceeded the aggregate figure for last year, highlights the importance of safeguarding personal belongings during air travel. 

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Road closures this weekend for cycling, triathlon events

The annual Cyclothon this Sunday will lead to major road closures and traffic diversions (File)

A number of  road closures have been announced for parts of Hong Kong island, Kowloon and  the New Territories for two major sporting events happening during the long weekend holiday.

The areas that will be affected are parts of Central and Wanchai on both Saturday and Sunday (Oct 12 and 13) for a triathlon event.

Major road closures and diversions will also be undertaken in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon West and New Territories South  on Sunday for Hong Kong’s biggest cycling event, the Cyclothon,

The road closures will start at 10am today, Saturday, when a section of Expo  Drive between Legislative Council Road and Expo Drive Central will be temporarily closed to traffic until  6pm for the triathlon event in Central and Wan Chai districts.

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On Sunday, a number of road closures and diversions will be implemented from 1am to about 6pm, also for the triathlon event, in the vicinities of the Central Harbourfront and Wan Chai North (including Yiu Sing Street, Lung Wo Road, Lung Hop Street, Lung Tat Path, etc).

As a result, cross-harbour bus route No H2 to Star Ferry in Central will be temporarily diverted to Connaught Road Central from 12:30pm on Sunday until the closed road is reopened to traffic at about 6pm.

Photo from the Summer Triathlon earlier this year 

Meanwhile, the Transport Department has announced a number of road closure in New Territories South, Kowloon West and Tsim Sha Tsui starting at 1am on Sunday, due to the holding of Hong Kong’s Cyclothon.

The city’s biggest cycling event which will see some 6,000 riders taking part, will also affect more than 150 bus routes, with some major roads and tunnel closed from early morning until mid-afternoon.

Expected to take part in the annual Cyclothon are Olympic bronze medallist Sarah Lee Wai-sze, three-time Asian Games gold medal winner Wong Kam-po and four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome.

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Both the 50km and 32km rides will start in the morning of Sunday at Salisbury Road near the Empire Centre, and will take the route via West Kowloon and New Territories South before finishing at the Jordan Road flyover.

Other races will also be held at East Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom area.

The TD said that depending on the number of people who will turn out for the events, the police may implement crowd control measures in the vicinity of the racecourse and other crowded areas in Tsim Sha Tsui.

The day’s events, which will be held from 5.15am to 2pm on Sunday, are also expected to attract 30,000 people to the Cyclothon Carnival in the West Kowloon Cultural District.

From Tsim Sha Tsui East, riders in the 50km race will be routed via Kowloon Park Drive, Austin Road West, Nga Cheung Road elevated road, the West Kowloon Highway, the Cheung Tsing Tunnel, the Tsing Ma Bridge and the Ting Kau Bridge.

The race will turn back and be routed via the Nam Wan Tunnel, the Stonecutters Bridge, the Eagle's Nest Tunnel and the Sha Tin Heights Tunnel, then turn back again and be routed via the West Kowloon Highway and Nga Cheung Road before heading for the finishing point.

Those taking part in the 32 km race will also start off in Tsim Sha Tsui East but will be routed via the Tsing Ma Bridge, the Eagle's Nest Tunnel and the Sha Tin Heights Tunnel.

Subject to the race arrangements and progress, the above road sections along the race routes in New Territories South and Kowloon West will be temporarily closed until around 11am on that day.

Events and races related to the Cyclothon will be held on the roads in the vicinity of Tsim Sha Tsui East, including Salisbury Road, Mody Lane, Hung Hom Bypass and Hung Hom Road, which will also be temporarily closed until around 3.30pm on that day.

A Cyclothon Carnival in West Kowloon could add to the traffic buildup

During the road closure period, 155 bus routes (including 64 KMB routes, 33 Citybus routes, 31 cross harbour bus routes, 26 Long Win Bus routes and one New Lantao Bus route) and 15 green minibus routes will be affected and subject to diversions, shortened trips, suspensions or relocations of stops in phases until the reopening of roads.

Likewise, the Star Ferry Pier Public Transport Interchange and the China Hong Kong City Public Transport Interchange will be suspended from 2.30am until around 10.30am; and the Tsim Sha Tsui East (Mody Road) Bus Terminus will be suspended from 10.30am until around 3.30pm on Sunday.

Roadside parking spaces within the closed roads will also be suspended.

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The TD advises the public to plan their journeys early to avoid delays and use public transport as far as possible, and pay attention to the temporary route diversions and relocations of stops.

Motorists are advised to avoid driving to the affected areas, and in case of traffic congestion, they should exercise patience, drive with care and follow the instructions of traffic police.

For more detailed information on the special traffic and transport information, the public may browse the TD's website (www.td.gov.hk) or mobile application "HKeMobility", or relevant public transport operators' websites or mobile applications.

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Dog in suspected abuse case dies from injuries

 

The dog was taken to the vet after being found with a bloodied back

A Doberman Pinscher suspected to have been doused with hot water or corrosive substance by a Filipina domestic helper died last night from sepsis and organ failure due to bacterial infection, according to its owner.

The 14-year-old family pet nicknamed “Ah Pei” was found with matted fur and bloody sores on its back on Saturday night.

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The dog was taken to an animal hospital the next day, and after a check-up,  the veterinarian reportedly said the animal had been exposed to scalding water or a corrosive chemical.

After the police were called in, the 35-year-old Filipina helper was arrested at her employer’s house in Chai Wan early on Monday on suspicion of animal cruelty. She has since been granted bail while the police continue their investigation.

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The employers said today that the helper has been dismissed and is no longer at their house.

According to the employers, the helper must have felt frustrated after they denied her request to go on leave.

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The dog’s owner took the chance to extend thanks to his friends for their support and donations, and to warn against “malicious individuals” in society, saying their time will come.

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Filipino’s detention for having 63 turtles in luggage extended

 

The turtles were all taped up before being packed into the luggage

A Filipino held in jail custody for illegal importation of 63 live critically endangered turtles in March has indicated at the District Court that he would be ready for plea, but his case was adjourned to March 18 next year.

The new court date for Dexter V. Tabora, 37 years old, set by Judge W.K. Kwok, would bring his period of detention to eight months, having been on remand since July 11, after three amended charges were read to him at West Kowloon Magistracy.

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Tabora was arrested at Hong Kong International Airport on March 31, after the endangered turtles valued at $819,000, were allegedly found in his possession, according to the Customs and Excise Department, which filed the complaint against him.

Tabora arrived in Hong Kong from Malaysia and was in transit to the Philippines when he was arrested.

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The first charge against him is for importing 49 live radiated tortoise, which are classified as Appendix 1 species, in violation of section 5(1) and (3) of Cap 586, otherwise known as the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance. The species is native to Madagascar where its meat is highly prized. It is also highly valued in illegal pet markets abroad.

The second charge against Tabora is over the alleged discovery of 14 live painted batagur or terrapin in his baggage, classified as an Appendix II species, which is a violation of Section 11(1) of Cap. 586.

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Both charges carry a maximum penalty of $10 million in fines and a prison term of up to 10 years.

The third is a charge of cruelty to animals, contrary to section 3(1) (g) of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, Cap. 169. The turtles were all taped up before being packed into the luggage “in a way which might cause them needless or avoidable suffering,” the complaint said.

This offence is punishable with up to $200,000 in  fines and three years in prison.

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New anti-illegal worker operations net 19

 

ImmD photo shows suspected illegal workers arrested during an operation

Another 19 persons were arrested during anti-illegal worker operations mounted by the Immigration Department and Hong Kong Police on October 7 to 9.

Those arrested in the operations consisted of 15 suspected illegal workers, two suspected employers and two overstayers.

Immigration Task Force officers raided 12 target locations including premises under renovation and residential buildings, arresting six suspected illegal workers and one suspected employer. 

One woman was the holder of recognizance form, which prohibits her from taking any employment. One man, aged 42, was suspected of employing the illegal workers and was also arrested.

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The joint operations with Police raided 40 target locations in the New Territories North region, resulting in the arrest of nine suspected illegal workers, one suspected employer and two overstayers who held recognizance forms. 

Two women, aged 34 and 56, were in possession of forged Hong Kong identity cards.

One man, aged 41, was arrested for employing illegal workers.      

In a press statement, Immigration said it is illegal for visitors and those with a condition of stay that to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration.

“Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years' imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties,” it added.

 Immigration also said “an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining in any business.

“Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years' imprisonment,” it said.

“Under the prevailing laws, it is an offense to use or possess a forged Hong Kong identity card. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $100,000 and up to 10 years' imprisonment," Immigration said.

 The penalties are higher for those who employ people who are not lawfully employable.

“Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years' imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years' imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences,” ImmD said.

“The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence,” it added. 

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Drunken assault brings Filipino 2-month jail term

 

Place where alleged offense happened

A drunken assault on a newspaper vendor in Central has brought an unemployed Filipino a two-month jail sentence.

Principal Magistrate Don So handed down the sentence today on J. Dagohoy, 37 years old, at Eastern Court as a result of his guilty plea last Sept. 20.

Dagohoy was originally charged with common assault, to which he pleaded not guilty.

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But he reversed his plea and averted what was scheduled as a pre-trial review scheduled for that day after the charge was changed to “inflicting grievous bodily harm.”

The charge arose from an altercation last March 9 between Dagohoy, who was drunk at the time and causing a commotion, and a local man named Cheung Chun Yu, who operated a newspaper stand in front of the Bangkok Bank building on Des Voeux Road Central.

The fight left Cheung, who allegedly pushed Dagohoy away from his store and was punched in return, with a minor cut on the face.

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TLR group holds one-day volleyball league to raise funds for Bethune House

 

Poster for tomorrow's volleyball league

The Filipino workers’ group, “Tulong, Laban, Respeto” will hold a one-day volleyball league tomorrow, Oct. 11, at Victoria Court, Causeway Bay, starting at 8am, for the benefit of Bethune House Migrant Women's Refuge.

TLR says the charity tournament is open to all groups, as long as they show up early at the venue to register.

To soothe those tired, achy bodies, the United Migrants Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Association (UMELA) will provide free massage to participants.

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A free blood pressure and blood sugar taking will also be provided by the Alyansa ng Magulang group.

TLR Coach Bhebs Leonardo says all volleyball groups or Filipino domestic workers who want to play volleyball could approach her or president Annie at the numbers provided in the poster.

They are holding the day-long tournament in response to an urgent appeal for financial help of Bethune House, which says it is in danger of closing down if it is unable to raise $1 million by the end of the year.

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Case of $1M theft from financing firm elevated to District Court

 

The alleged theft was committed on the 22nd floor of this Central building

The $1 million theft case against a Filipina accused of stealing cash from a financing company was elevated to the District Court today.

May Ann Destajo, 36 years old, remained in jail custody as documents in the case were bundled for review and formal transfer from the Eastern Court.

Principal Magistrate Don So adjourned the case to Nov. 6.

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Destajo, whose occupation was originally listed as receptionist, was accused of stealing $1,068,848 from Pacific Ace Finance Ltd., which is based at Wing On House in Central, from August 2020 to July 2023.

In later hearings, she was identified as a cashier during the three years that she was alleged to have stolen the cash.

Last May 23, a day after the Central Police filed the theft case against her, her lawyer offered a cash bail of $10,000, along with the promise to report to the Police regularly and not leave Hong Kong while the case was pending.

But Magistrate Minnie Wat rejected the offer, citing the seriousness of the offense, the breach of trust and the strength of evidence against the defendant.

Since that hearing, Destajo has remained in detention.

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Mission for Migrant Workers to hold charity walk this Sunday

 

Walk and win, says this poster for MFMWs charity walk this year

The Mission for Migrant Workers will hold its annual charity walk this Sunday, Oct. 13, with the goal of raising $300,000 to fund its various services to migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong.

The charity event which is also aimed at promoting inclusion, understanding and mutual respect between migrant domestic workers and other members of the community, will start with a gathering of participants at 11am at the St John’s Cathedral on Garden Road, before doing the short walk to the Peak.

All those taking part are enjoined to turn over the funds they raised at the registration table by 10:45am on the event day, so they can participate in the "Top Fundraising Award" which will highlight this year’s event.

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However, donations for the charity walk will continue to be welcomed until Oct 31.

After  the walk there will be a closing ceremony featuring cultural performances and the awarding of prizes, to be held from 1pm to 2pm at Li Hall of St John’s Cathedral.

Donors may also send cash to MFMW by FPS Transfer:   Mobile Number  +852 9144 3744 （MFMW Limited）, or https://donorbox.org/mfmw-charity-walk-2024-1 

To attain its target goal fund for this year,  walkers are encouraged to look for sponsors, and get as many of their fellow migrant domestic workers to join the charity walk. 

Each participant MDW or their sponsor will be asked to donate $50, while non-migrants are enjoined to give at least $200 each.

Last year was the first charity walk to be held by MFMW since the pandemic  struck in 2020.

Exercise is good for elderly people with dementia, the participants are told

Meanwhile, the MFMW successfully completed yet another  training session for migrant workers last Sunday, Sept. 22.

About 20 workers took part in the training on caring for the elderly with dementia, with emphasis on providing for their special needs in terms of diet, exercise and emotional support.

The training was organized by MFMW in cooperation with the Hong Kong Sheung Kung Hui Welfare Council.

The Mission which was founded more than 40 years ago, is the longest-serving migrant support organization in Hong Kong. It provides counseling, legal help and support, and even shelter to migrant workers in distress or in need.

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Ex-DH jailed 2 months for overstaying, working illegally

 

Building where Filipina was caught working illegally

A domestic helper who remained in Hong Kong after her contract expired, was jailed for two months today after she pleaded guilty at Eastern Court not just to overstaying for three years but also for working while in that status.

Erlyn Fuego, 37 years old, was sentenced to two months for each of the two charges – overstaying in breach of a condition of stay imposed on her when she got her visa for her first job, and working as a domestic helper while in such breach.

Principal Magistrate Don So ordered the two sentences to run at the same time.

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A complaint filed by the Immigration Department said Fuego was arrested last Aug. 13 after she was discovered to have failed to leave Hong Kong when her contract expired on Sept. 12, 2021, as required by section 41 of the Immigration Ordinance.

The second charge arose from her taking employment in a flat at the Waterfront on Austin Road West in Kowloon, from Dec. 21, 2021 to April 13, 2024, while in breach of her limit of stay, in violation of section 38AA(1)(c) and 38AA(2) of the Immigration Ordinance.

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Police investigate spread of debt collection notices

 

 Bystander picks up one of the debt collection slips, each with a $10 bill attached

The police are investigating a strange case of dozens of debt collection notices, each with a real $10 bill attached, being scattered along Des Voeux Road Central yesterday afternoon.

According to the police, their attention was called to the incident when a 56-year-old man visited Central Police Station at about 4pm yesterday, Monday, bringing with him a pile of the notices which he reportedly found outside the Wing On Department Store in Sheung Wan.

In total, the man managed to collect 83 notices, each containing a $10 note, amounting to $830.

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Videos that started circulating online at about the same time showed a number of passersby stopping to pick up about 50 such notes near the corner with Cleverly Street,  and were amazed to see the attached $10 bill in each.

The notices contained personal details and photos of individuals allegedly with unpaid debts, alongside such phrases as “money borrowed and not repaid.”

It was not immediately clear if the persons named in the notices were locals or of other nationalities.

The police have classified the incident as a “request for assistance,” but said they are still investigating.

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Filipina DH accused of going on buying spree using stolen JoyYou card

 

A Filipina domestic helper appeared at Fan Ling Court today charged with eight counts of theft, six of them related to her using an Octopus card that was among several items she allegedly stole in the first case.  

Acting Principal Magistrate David Cheung adjourned the hearing to Nov. 4 to give Beverly Fernandez, 29 years old, time to deny or plead guilty to the charges of violating section 9 of the Theft Ordinance.

In the meantime, she was returned to jail custody.

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The first of the charges filed by Tai Po Police alleged that Fernandez stole a wallet containing a JoyYou Octopus card, cash amounting to $1,980 and a Hong Kong ID card at a 12^th floor flat in Sheung Shui last Aug.8.

On the same day, in the same flat, she also allegedly stole $3,500 from another member of the household.

Before the day was over, Fernandez was alleged to have committed six more thefts by using the stolen Octopus card for purchases that resulted in a “chose-in” action where Octopus Cards Ltd. became indebted to the registered card holder for the amounts in the purchases:

A $1.4 fare on the MTR Sha Tin Station.

A $22.5 purchase at the Circle K store in Wai Wah Centre in Shatin.

A $2 MTR fare at the Kowloon Tong station.

A $508 purchase at a Dr. Kong store in Festival Walk mall in Kowloon Tong.

And a $56 meal at a Pepper Lunch branch in Festival Walk.

Finally, the next day saw her pay a $2 MTR fare at the Kwun Tong Station, the police complaint alleged.

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