ENG-1983 — Page 226

165

The bureau has been particularly successful in the detection and arrest of persons involved in violent armed robbery and the seizure of illegal firearms. During 1983, the bureau investigated 31 cases of an extremely serious and complex nature, resulting in the arrest of 72 persons who were charged with 96 offences; 16 firearms were seized and cash and property to the value of $33 million was recovered as a result of these investigations.

Commercial Crime

Reports of commercial crime continued at a high level with an increase in the number of sophisticated and complex frauds, often with international ramifications. There was also a sharp increase in the value of the property and money involved. The activities of a number of deposit-taking companies, prior to closing their doors at short notice in 1982 owing substantial debts to financial institutes and members of the public, became the subject of special and intensive investigation.

2

Reports of illicit commodity trading decreased, possibly indicating that the increased penalties now contained in the Commodities Trading Ordinance are having a satisfactory deterrent effect. However, an unacceptable malpractice by a number of companies in Hong Kong, which is not a contravention of the ordinance, has emerged. This takes the form of offering investment in gold on paper only, without the purchase of a futures contract, and is an additional way of speculating in price movements.

Counterfeit currency continued to pose problems. Offensive enforcement action resulted in four syndicates engaged in production of counterfeit currency being successfully neu- tralised and 55 persons prosecuted for their involvement in distribution. Close liaison continued to be maintained with foreign law enforcement agencies in suppression of international syndicates involved in this practice.

Narcotics

Another substantial crop of opium in the Golden Triangle resulted in an increase in drug trafficking in Southeast Asia. During the year, some 730 kilograms of opiates, i.e. heroin base, No. 3 heroin and opium, were seized in Hong Kong. The retail price of No. 3 heroin continued to drop, falling by 18.47 per cent to $75 per gramme by year's end.

Interpol

"

Hong Kong continued to play an active part in the activities of the International Criminal Police Organisation (ICPO-Interpol) which has its General Secretariat at St Cloud, near Paris. The Hong Kong Interpol Bureau operates within the Crime Wing of Police Headquarters and works closely with police forces in 134 countries. The bureau has its own small investigation unit and also deals with extradition matters.

Crime Prevention

The Crime Prevention Bureau continued to hold courses for newly appointed crime prevention officers. Crime trends were monitored by the bureau and preventive measures were publicised through the press and through visits to commercial and private premises. Large numbers of visitors, representing a cross-section of society in commerce, industry and the private sector, continued to visit the crime prevention display room. The advice of the bureau is now increasingly sought at the design stage on security of buildings and site development.