Press Release
Successful Raid against an Illegal External Telecommunications Services Operator

The Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) mounted a successful raiding operation on March 4 (Friday) against an illegal external telecommunications services operator in Kwun Tong.

Two sets of installations were seized and a total of 8 telephone lines were terminated.

A spokesman for the OFTA warned that the provision of external telecommunications service without an appropriate licence is a criminal offence under the Telecommunications Ordinance. The offender is liable to a maximum penalty of HK$100,000 fine and five years' imprisonment upon conviction.

"In 2004, OFTA has conducted 16 raid operations against the illegal external telecommunications services operators and seized a total of 90 pieces of equipment worth HK$1,500,000. In a recent case, the offender was fined for HK$20,000".

"We will not hesitate to take enforcement actions against these illegal activities, which are under the close surveillance of OFTA. The Government will continue to work with the industry to clamp down on these illegal activities," the spokesman said.

Office of the Telecommunications Authority
8 March, 2005