Hong Kong Customs authorities have executed a substantial crackdown on smuggling activities, resulting in the confiscation of an estimated HK$100 million (USD $12.8 million) worth of illicit goods, including 2,000 bottles of wine. This operation follows closely on the heels of the city’s largest-ever smuggling case earlier this year, where over 20,000 bottles of wine were seized, as previously reported.
Dubbed “Wave Breaker,” the operation spanned from August to September and was launched in response to intelligence suggesting that criminals were employing ocean-going and river trade vessels for smuggling purposes. Customs officials meticulously inspected three vessels destined for Malaysia, one for Shanghai, and two river trade vessels en route to Nansha and Macao.
Based on images released by customs authorities, among the seized bottles were those from renowned Italian wineries Zenato and Tenuta San Guido. Three Bourgogne wines were also identified: Domaine Gros Frère et Soeur Hautes Cotes de Nuits, Geantet-Pansiot Gevrey-Chambertin Village “En Champs,” and Claude Dugat Gevrey-Chambertin La Gibryotte.
In addition to the wine, the seized goods included over 500,000 electronic products, approximately 240 pallets of electronic waste, seven tonnes of suspected shark fins, and three tonnes of frozen meat.
Three individuals, aged between 40 and 54, were arrested in connection with these smuggling cases and have subsequently been released on bail. Further arrests have not been ruled out as investigations continue.
It is essential to note that smuggling is considered a grave offence in Hong Kong. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, those found guilty of smuggling unmanifested cargo can face severe penalties, including a fine of up to HK$2 million and a prison sentence of up to seven years.
