A syndicate arranging for mainland Chinese residents to fraudulently obtain Hong Kong's Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) visas using fake academic credentials has been dismantled by the Immigration Department, its first crackdown on such a scheme.
Authorities arrested 18 individuals, including five local syndicate members aged between 42 and 56—among them the mastermind—and 13 mainland applicants aged between 27 and 47, in a case involving at least HK$55 million in illicit profits.
Investigations revealed the group operated for over a year and a half, facilitating at least 22 fraudulent applications and collecting up to HK$2.5 million for each case through a "one-stop" service package that included forged documents and post-arrival support.
Assistant Principal Immigration Officer Hui Chi-kin said that syndicate members monitored posts about Hong Kong on mainland social media and reached out to users who expressed interest in relocating.
They then promoted their services, falsely claiming applicants could secure residency without prolonged stays in the city.
The syndicate charged HK$1 million to HK$1.5 million upfront per application for fabricated documents like overseas degrees, student visas, employment records, and forged immigration stamps for TTPS submissions.
Once approved, the group allegedly charged an additional HK$600,000 to HK$1 million for post-arrival services, including accompanying applicants to obtain Hong Kong ID cards, arranging local housing, and fabricating employment and salary records to facilitate future visa extensions—ultimately aiming for permanent residency.
During raids in April, authorities seized laptops, phones, bogus employment contracts, financial ledgers, bank cards, and deposit slips from the suspects' homes and vehicles.
Evidence also indicated the group laundered proceeds through shell companies and personal accounts.
The arrested syndicate members face charges of aiding and abetting false statements to obtain entry permits, while the mainland applicants are accused of arranging such statements.
Hui warned that investigations are ongoing, with further arrests possible.
The department has tightened verification measures, requiring TTPS applicants under categories B and C, as well as those applying for the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, to submit academic credentials certified by designated third-party institutions or issuing universities starting June last year.
Lawmaker Brave Chan Yung of the Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong condemned the syndicate as "a scourge to society," emphasizing that the TTPS process is transparent and manageable without intermediaries.
He urged applicants to reject agencies promising "guaranteed approval" or residency without physical presence, calling for intensified public awareness campaigns to curb illegal operations.
(Ayra Wang)
