涉案金额约5500万港元，拘捕18人!香港入境事务处打掉一骗取“高才通”入境许可的团伙

Core Points - The Hong Kong Immigration Department has dismantled a cross-border crime syndicate that exploited false documents to obtain high-level talent entry permits [1][2] - The operation, codenamed "Net Shadow," led to the arrest of 18 individuals, including 5 Hong Kong residents and 13 mainland residents [1] - The crime group had been operating for approximately 18 months and arranged at least 22 applications for high-level talent entry permits, with total financial implications estimated at around HKD 55 million [2] Group 1 - The crime syndicate's leader and core members face charges for assisting or inciting others to make false statements to obtain entry permits [1] - Mainland residents involved are charged with arranging false statements for entry permits [1] - The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are not ruled out by the Immigration Department [2] Group 2 - Each application for the high-level talent entry permit could yield up to HKD 2.5 million, indicating significant financial incentives for the crime group [2] - The crime group is also suspected of money laundering activities, processing illicit gains through various accounts [2] - Under current Hong Kong laws, making false statements to immigration officials is illegal, with penalties including fines up to HKD 150,000 and imprisonment for up to 14 years [2]