Hong Kong Customs recently confiscated property worth $18.5 million that was previously owned by the mastermind of a gang convicted in an illicit cigarette and money-laundering case, according to a 7th Space Interactive story.
The case represented the first time that a confiscation order had been granted in respect of a cigarette smuggling conviction.
A Customs spokesperson said yesterday that the case underlined the determination of the department to tackle cigarette smuggling.
The successful confiscation of the proceeds of crime through the application of the Organised and Serious Crimes Ordinance had amplified the enforcement efforts, the spokesperson added.
In the court case, heard in 2010, 16 defendants were convicted on a number of charges and sentenced to between 15 and 66 months’ imprisonment.
Customs subsequently applied to the court for the confiscation of the properties, currently valued at $18.5 million, of the mastermind, his wife and sister.
The confiscation order was laid down in a district court judgement on Wednesday.