Man arrested over impersonating ride-hailing driver, breaching visa terms

Hong Kong police have arrested a 41-year-old mainland Chinese man on suspicion of impersonating a registered ride-hailing driver and working in breach of his visa conditions.

Officers from the force’s traffic New Territories North headquarters carried out the undercover operation on Tuesday afternoon, disguising themselves as passengers in Yuen Long before intercepting two private cars in Sheung Shui.

The force said the suspect and a 24-year-old local man were arrested for allegedly using motor vehicles to carry passengers for hire or reward illegally, police said.

Police added that further investigation had revealed that the older man allegedly operated on the ride-hailing platform under a different, registered identity, and was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud and breaching his conditions of stay.

The case has been referred to Tai Po police district’s criminal investigation team.

The two men are currently in custody, while two vehicles have been seized for further examination.

Under the Road Traffic Ordinance, no person shall drive or use a motor vehicle or permit a motor vehicle to be driven or used for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward without a valid permit.

The offence carries a maximum fine of HK$10,000 (US$1,275) and six months in jail on first conviction, and is capped at HK$25,000 and 12 months’ imprisonment for repeat offences.

Conspiracy to defraud is punishable by up to 14 years in prison.