In the payment card fraud case, CCB has neutralised a counterfeit payment card syndicate and prevented a potential loss of $5 million for the credit card industry.

The second case came to the attention of CCB after the Customs and Excise Department had found three parcels containing a total of 400 counterfeit credit cards destined for the UK. With the assistance of the British Consulate, CCB later carried out a joint operation with the South Wales Police, resulting in the seizure of 400 counterfeit credit cards, and the arrest of seven persons in the UK.

In appreciation of CCB's efforts in both cases, representatives from the EPS Company (Hong Kong) and Management Committee of the Card Authorisation System in PRC presented plaques to Chief Superintendent Ng Sai-kuen of CCB and seven other CCB officers at the Hang Seng Bank Headquarters last month.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Mr Ng attributed the speedy detection of both cases to CCB's partnership with the banking industry and other law enforcement agencies. He stressed the importance of early reporting of any offence coming to the attention of the banking industry, citing the EPS case as a good example.

In response, the General Manager of the EPS Company (Hong Kong), Mr Raymond So, noted that without CCB's professional efforts, the criminals involved might still be at large and continue to commit more crimes.

"I fully agree with Chief Superintendent Ng that close partnership is most important in the fight against crime and that a lot of crimes can be prevented at the earliest opportunity," he added.

Partnership works for CCB