Ten people jailed for lottery scam
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Ten people involved in a $14 million lottery scam were given jail sentences today (May 13) ranging from two years to five and a half years.

The District Court heard that between April and May 2008, 12 victims, who were Chinese residing overseas, were called by some Putonghua-speaking people who told them that they had won in lucky draws. They requested the victims to pay certain administrative fees in order to get the winnings. The victims then remitted the payments amounting to about $14 million to designated bank accounts in Hong Kong provided by the swindlers.

Commercial Crime Bureau officers took up the investigation after receiving a report in April 2008, and subsequently arrested six men and four women, aged between 28 and 60, in May to October 2008.

Police enquiries revealed that a 28-year-old Taiwanese woman was one of the masterminds of the syndicate while the other defendants were recruited to set up bank accounts in Hong Kong and allow others to operate the accounts.

They were subsequently charged with 27 counts of money laundering and one count of theft and the sentences were handed down today.

Police remind the public to watch out for lottery scams and report any suspicious calls to Police. They are also reminded of the criminal liability of setting up bank accounts for others or allowing others to operate their banks accounts with criminal intent.

Police Report No. 4

Ends/Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:03

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