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Probe into Singapore’s Terrexes 'might lead to criminal prosecution': HK Customs

Photo: EFE/Jerome Favre
Photo: EFE/Jerome Favre

The head of Hong Kong custom authorities said Tuesday (24 Tuesday) that the investigation into Singapore’s Terrex infantry carrier vehicles “might lead to criminal prosecution”.

The comment in a statement by Roy Tang, Commissioner of Hong Kong Customs and Excise, comes after Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday evening that the seized Terrex vehicles will be returned to Singapore.

Tang also confirmed the return of the vehicles and the associated equipment, which were detained on 23 November last year.

Hong Kong is committed to complying with international standards of strategic trade control, and that it implements a robust control system to achieve it, Tang said.

“Import, export and transshipment/transit of strategic commodities in breach of licensing requirement are criminal offences punishable under the Hong Kong law. The action by the Hong Kong Customs on November 23, 2016 was taken because there was a suspected breach of the Hong Kong law,” said Tang, adding that the investigation of the suspected breach is completed.