Two arrested in police crackdown on illegal ride-hailing services

Two men were arrested in an undercover police operation targeting illegal ride-hailing services on Thursday.

In the sting operation, officers from the Kowloon West traffic unit posed as passengers traveling from Hung Hom to various destinations across the district.

The arrested drivers, aged 41 and 49, were unemployed and face charges of "using a motor vehicle for illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward" and "using a vehicle without third-party insurance".

They were released on bail and are required to report back to police in mid-June while their private vehicles have been impounded for further investigation.

Under Hong Kong's Road Traffic Ordinance, all vehicles used for paid transportation services must obtain proper hire car permits.

Violators face fines up to HK$10,000 and six months’ imprisonment for the first offense, and heftier penalties of HK$25,000 and one year in prison for repeat offenses.

Police warned that illegal ride-hailing services pose serious safety risks as they typically lack proper commercial insurance and urged the public to only use licensed public transportation.

(Ayra Wang)