Seven hawkers arrested for 'staged arrest scheme’
2000-5-19
An ICAC investigation revealed that a syndicate operating at Yan Oi Court in Kwun Tong had allegedly arranged “ staged ” arrests by Hawker Control Grade Officers.
It was believed that such arrangements had been continuing for two years between May 1997 and May 1999, with the endorsement of some Hawker Control Grade Officers.
During the period, the squads responsible for law enforcement against obstruction in the area had allegedly made numerous arrests by prior arrangements.
It was believed that on many occasions, the squads had brought these holders of Itinerant Hawking Licences, who turned up for arrest according to a “ roster ” prepared by the syndicate, to the police station for documentation.
In a two-day ICAC operation codenamed “ Pinewind ” , commencing on Wednesday, seven hawkers were arrested for their alleged involvement in the scheme while six Hawker Control Grade Officers of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and a retired superintendent were interviewed.
The ICAC earlier this year received a referral from FEHD alleging that some Hawker Control Grade Officers might have accepted bribes from hawkers at Yan Oi Court for not taking enforcement action against obstruction and allowing “ staged arrest ” .
It was alleged that the squads normally arrived at the location early in the morning to decide on the “ targets ” of arrest. When the squad returned about an hour later, the “ designated ” hawkers were already present, awaiting arrest.
It was also alleged that according to a prior agreement, four persons from the list would be arrested every day.
When fines were imposed on the “ designated ” hawkers, the syndicate would collect money from all hawkers operating on that day to cover the costs.
The ICAC received full co-operation and assistance from FEHD throughout the investigation.
All arrestees have been released on bail, pending further enquiries.
It was believed that such arrangements had been continuing for two years between May 1997 and May 1999, with the endorsement of some Hawker Control Grade Officers.
During the period, the squads responsible for law enforcement against obstruction in the area had allegedly made numerous arrests by prior arrangements.
It was believed that on many occasions, the squads had brought these holders of Itinerant Hawking Licences, who turned up for arrest according to a “ roster ” prepared by the syndicate, to the police station for documentation.
In a two-day ICAC operation codenamed “ Pinewind ” , commencing on Wednesday, seven hawkers were arrested for their alleged involvement in the scheme while six Hawker Control Grade Officers of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) and a retired superintendent were interviewed.
The ICAC earlier this year received a referral from FEHD alleging that some Hawker Control Grade Officers might have accepted bribes from hawkers at Yan Oi Court for not taking enforcement action against obstruction and allowing “ staged arrest ” .
It was alleged that the squads normally arrived at the location early in the morning to decide on the “ targets ” of arrest. When the squad returned about an hour later, the “ designated ” hawkers were already present, awaiting arrest.
It was also alleged that according to a prior agreement, four persons from the list would be arrested every day.
When fines were imposed on the “ designated ” hawkers, the syndicate would collect money from all hawkers operating on that day to cover the costs.
The ICAC received full co-operation and assistance from FEHD throughout the investigation.
All arrestees have been released on bail, pending further enquiries.