(b)
(c)
24.
-
the major types of crimes committed by criminals using stolen identity cards; and
the measures in place to combat criminals using stolen identity cards to commit crimes?
Reply:
Mr President,
(a)
The number of reported cases of loss of identity cards are as follows:
(b)
(c)
i)
1993
1994
1995
1996 (January - September)
166 750
163 441
154 043
102 940
No official information has been kept on the reasons for loss of identity cards. Based on the experience of Immigration Department in issuing replacement identity cards, most people attribute the losses of their cards to thefts, burglaries or misplacements.
Based on the operational experience of law enforcement agencies, some of the stolen identity cards are used for -
facilitating illegal employment or residence in Hong Kong; committing fraud and deception offences;
i)
seeking illegal entry into Hong Kong;
ii)
iii)
iv)
covering up one's genuine identity; and
lawful registration of personal identity for purposes such as admission into hospitals for delivery of baby and birth registration.
The Police and the Immigration Department have taken the following measures to combat crimes relating to use of stolen identity cards:
Employers are encouraged to make use of the telephone and fax 'hotline' service provided by the Immigration Department if they have doubts on the authenticity of identity cards produced by job applicants. The public can also use the 'hotline' to report immigration-related offences which may involve the use of stolen identity cards for illegal purposes.