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Author Archives: hksar gov

Temporary suspension of public libraries computer system

     The Leisure and Cultural Services Department today (December 18) announced that maintenance work for the Hong Kong Public Libraries computer system will be carried out from 00.30am on December 25 to 11.59pm on December 26, and from 00.30am to 11.59pm on January 1, during which the following services will be suspended:
 

  • library mobile app services and Internet and telephone renewal services;
  • other online library services, including the library catalogue, borrowers’ record enquiries, reservation of library materials and Internet and Digital Service Workstations and electronic resources (e-Books and e-Databases); and
  • the self-service library stations (readers may return books to the stations before the due date, and the loan records will be updated on the next working day).

     Details can be obtained from the website at www.hkpl.gov.hk/en/library-notices/library-notices-list.html. For enquiries, please call 2921 0208.  read more

East Asia

Hong Kong Customs suspends licence of money service operator

     Hong Kong Customs today (December 18) announced that the licence of a money service operator (MSO) has been suspended for suspected contravention of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (AMLO).

     Customs earlier noted that a money changer operating at How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, was suspected of committing a criminal offence. After a follow-up investigation, Customs found that the money changer failed to notify Customs in writing of cessation of money service business, in contravention of the requirement stipulated under the AMLO. Customs therefore suspended the licence of the money changer on December 14.

     Customs is now investigating the case pursuant to the AMLO.

     Customs reiterates that the department has all along been vigorously enforcing the supervision of MSOs through compliance inspections and investigations. All licensed MSOs should comply with the requirements under the AMLO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for seven years. Consumers are reminded to procure service from licensed MSOs. The register of licensees is accessible from the website of Customs’ Money Service Operators Licensing System at eservices.customs.gov.hk/MSOS/wsrh/001s1?request_locale=en.

     MSOs must also comply with the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) when providing money services to customers. Customs will continue to take appropriate enforcement measures against any suspected contravention of the TDO.

     Members of the public may report any suspected contraventions of the AMLO or the TDO to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk). read more

East Asia