Man arrested over fund-raising deception case
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Police have arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with an alleged fund-raising deception case in which victims were lured into making donations for emergency relief operations related to the Sichuan earthquake.

Staff of a bank found some notices, carrying a bank account number allegedly for the purpose of donations for the Sichuan emergency relief, posted on the screen of automatic teller machines at its branches in Central, Wan Chai and North Point yesterday morning (May 18). A report was then made to Police.

Officers of Investigation Squad of Wan Chai District arrested the 32-year-old man in Wan Chai today (May 19). Investigations showed that the man, who was the alleged account holder, was suspected of posting the notices and about $8,000 in cash had been deposited into the account. 

The man, who was arrested for obtaining property by deception, is being detained for further enquiries.

According to the Summary Offences Ordinance, Chapter 228, Laws of Hong Kong, any person or organisation who organizes donations in a public place for charitable purpose should apply for a permit from the Director of Social Welfare. The permits should be shown at prominent places for reference by the public.

If people feel suspicious that the fund-raising activities may involve deceptive elements, they should report to the Police for follow-up action.

Police also appealed to anyone who had been a victim of recent similar deception cases but who had not made a report, to call any police station.

Police Report No. 4
Issued by PPRB
Ends/ Monday, May 19, 2008
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