gain control of the splinter groups and weld them once more into a menacing whole. The over-riding concern of the Triad Society Bureau is to forestall and frustrate such an eventuality.
COMMERCIAL CRIME OFFICE
114. In July, 1966 the establishment was increased by two Inspectors, two Corporals and two Constables. The Commercial Crime Office is a branch of C.I.D. which is located in the business centre of the city.
115. This office deals with the more complicated cases of commercial frauds, forgeries etc. which need specialist investigation. Simple cases which do not necessitate protracted specialist examination are generally dealt with as ordinary C.I.D. enquiries at Police stations.
116. The total number of reports received increased from 1,142 in 1965-66 to 1,338 this year. A recent amendment to the Larceny Ordinance which enables a criminal prosecution to be instituted more easily when cheques have been dishonoured by any bank, should facilitate increased Police action in this type of offence.
117. There were convictions during the year against four men engaged in forging United States and Philippine currency and they were sentenced in the Supreme Court to periods of imprisonment ranging from four to ten years.
118. Another interesting aspect of this office's work was the convic- tion of ten persons in connection with manufacturing and possessing 16,000 copies of gramophone records which infringed copyright.
119. A strong team from the Commercial Crime Office has been seconded to investigate the failure of the Canton Trust Bank in 1964.
120. The number of investigations conducted this year are analysed as follows:
Merchandise Marks Offences
Frauds
Forgeries
...
→
Bankruptcy & Company Offences...
Unsatisfactory trade transactions ...
Miscellaneous Offences
***
...
Total ...
·
•
:
...
6
90
120
.....
35
362
725
1,338
25