Former PLA soldier pleads guilty to illegal taxi operations in Hong Kong

A 39-year-old mainland Chinese man, formerly a soldier in the People's Liberation Army, admitted in court to running illegal ride-hailing services in Hong Kong using a borrowed identity, earning over HK$70,000 from more than 600 trips while violating his visitor status.

A mainland Chinese man appeared in Fanling Magistrates' Court today and pleaded guilty to 19 charges related to breaching his stay conditions, driving a private car for hire, and operating without third-party insurance.

The 39-year-old defendant, who reported being unemployed, had entered Hong Kong as a visitor last year and used a friend's identity to register an account on the Amap ride-hailing app.

He then drove a Tesla to pick up passengers for payment, despite restrictions prohibiting him from any form of employment during his stay.

Authorities uncovered the scheme during a police operation targeting illegal taxi services.

An undercover officer booked a ride through the app from Yuen Long to Sheung Shui, paying via Alipay. After the journey, the defendant was stopped and questioned, revealing he owned the vehicle but lacked proper registration for passenger transport and necessary insurance.

Under police caution, he explained his actions stemmed from a need to support his family after losing his job.

Investigations showed the app account, registered under a former classmate's name without permission, had logged over 600 trips, generating suspected earnings exceeding HK$70,000 between June and August 2025.

The defendant, a retired army squad leader and former mall manager, became unemployed in 2024.

He has a wife who stays at home, two young children, and elderly, ill parents relying on him financially. Since his arrest, he has been unable to return home for several months.

In court, the defense highlighted his military background, first-time offender status, and full cooperation with police after arrest, arguing the money went entirely toward family support.

The magistrate expressed concern over the substantial earnings but noted the defendant still owed payments on the car used in the offenses and planned to sell it, reducing chances of reoffending.

The case was adjourned until January 26 for background and financial reports, with the defendant remanded in custody.