1 Photo
The Financial Intelligence and Investigation Bureau (FIIB) launched the Anti-money laundering (AML) Publicity Month in January, during which a series of AML promotional campaigns were held to remind the public that they should protect their bank accounts to avoid the accounts being utilised by outlaws.
FIIB invited artiste Cho Wing-lim to act as “Cho Sir” in the promotional videos and posters, reminding the public to bear in mind the slogan “Don’t Rent, Don’t Lend, Don’t Sell!” and publicising the new slogan “Lending or selling account might lead to sentencing enhancement; Remember not to lend or sell!”, with the aim to alert the public that they should never rent, lend or sell their bank accounts to avoid their being controlled for illegal purposes. The promotional videos, posters and leaflets are being posted on social media platforms of the Force, on the LED screen outside Mong Kok Police Station, on public transports and in shopping malls.
A promotional truck was arranged to display AML messages at Kwun Tong, Central and Causeway Bay on January 16 and 21 respectively, during which leaflets and souvenirs were distributed and citizens might try out the AML game at the promotional truck to win gifts. The event attracted hundreds of citizens. In view of the recent upsurge of foreign domestic helpers (FDH) being involved in money laundering cases, FIIB officers and the Consulate General Offices of the Philippines and the Republic of Indonesia distributed promotional leaflets to FDH in Central and Causeway Bay.
Moreover, money laundering cases involving stooge accounts have been on the rise in recent years. Therefore, after discussion with the Department of Justice, the Force would apply for sentence enhancement against defendants who sold or rented their bank accounts for use in money laundering in accordance with S. 27 of Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance in cases where the trial venue being District Court or above. There have been cases in which the convicted person obtained a 20 per cent sentencing enhancement by the court.
In addition to public education, FIIB also provides internal training for frontline officers by organising regular courses on money laundering investigation to enhance officers’ capabilities in handling related cases.
