4 arrested in crackdown on mainland Chinese firms offering illegal labour in Hong Kong

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by Ambrose LiJanuary 30, 2026 at 08:53 AM

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Hong Kong authorities arrested four mainland Chinese individuals in an undercover operation conducted between January 22 and 29. The individuals, two men and two women, were allegedly working illegally in Hong Kong as cleaners and renovation workers. The Immigration Department targeted them after discovering online advertisements on the Chinese social media platform RedNote, placed by mainland companies offering these services. The suspects, aged 32 to 58, were apprehended after officers posed as customers. The operation was launched in response to increased demand for such services ahead of the Lunar New Year. The two cleaners have been sentenced to 54 days' imprisonment, while the two renovation workers have been charged.

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Key Player Opposition Context

South China Morning Post 40% RedNote 50% China 60% Lunar New Year ×360% Immigration Department 70% mainland Chinese firms 80% Chan Yan-kit ×280% Hong Kong ×3100%

Keywords

illegal labour 90% hong kong 80% mainland chinese firms 80% arrests 70% renovation workers 60% cleaning services 60% undercover operation 60% lunar new year 50% social media 50%