The Immigration Department said four women have been arrested on suspicion of illegally selling makeup, photography and tour-guide services in Hong Kong through social media.

In an undercover crackdown on illegal cross-boundary employment ahead of the National Day Golden Week, officers identified several suspicious accounts offering one-stop package deals to attract customers.

After identifying several suspicious targets, officers took enforcement action on Sunday and Monday.

Li Kwing-chiu, commander of the task force in charge of the operation, said investigators posed as customers, made enquiries with the suspects and booked the relevant services.

"When they came to Hong Kong to provide services, arrests were made. We arrested four people in total," he said.

"They are all women, aged 20 to 31. They all came as visitors. They will be charged with breaching their conditions of stay."

One of the arrested women claimed to be a makeup artist offering hairdressing and makeup services for about HK$700 per session.

The other three were photographers and tour guides, charging between HK$400 and HK$600.

Li said all four operated personal social media accounts, using low prices to attract business and requiring an upfront deposit.

"They claimed to offer one-stop services at popular tourist attractions, including theme parks, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and West Kowloon Cultural District, such as itinerary planning, rental of photography equipment and styling guidance," he said.

During the operation, officers seized the suspects’ photography equipment, props, makeup supplies and smartphones.



Edited by Tony Sabine