Hong Kong Customs has received two honors at the 2024–2025 Asia Environmental Enforcement Recognition of Excellence (AEEE) ceremony, organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in recognition of its exceptional performance in combating environmental crime.
The department won the “Impact” Award and the “Collaboration” Award — the latter shared with the Anti-Smuggling Bureau of Shanghai Customs.
The AEEE recognises institutions and individuals across Asia that have made significant contributions to tackling transboundary environmental crimes.
The “Impact” Award acknowledged Hong Kong Customs’ success in integrating financial investigations with enforcement action in an endangered species case involving 231 kilograms of scheduled live corals seized in July 2022.
Investigations uncovered suspicious transactions amounting to HK$6.7 million in suspected laundered proceeds, leading to the offender being sentenced to 40 months’ imprisonment.
Deputy Commissioner of Customs and Excise (Control and Enforcement), Mark Woo, and officers of the Syndicate Crimes Investigation Bureau of Customs attending the virtual award ceremony.
Commissioner of Customs and Excise Chan Tsz-tat reaffirmed the department’s commitment to environmental protection and its role in safeguarding biodiversity.
He underscored the importance of “protection, prevention, and partnership” in enforcement work, while calling for continued innovation and regional cooperation.
Meanwhile, the “Collaboration” Award recognised the success of Operation Secure Harbour 2024–2025, a joint initiative launched with Shanghai Customs.
The operation intercepted nearly nine tons of scheduled shark products shipped from Hong Kong to Shanghai and led to the arrest of seven suspects on the mainland, dismantling a large-scale smuggling syndicate.
Hong Kong Customs reiterated its pledge to strengthen collaboration with regional and international enforcement agencies and to step up action against the illegal trade in endangered species.
