Hong Kong travel agency bosses arrested for travel incentive scheme fraud
Nineteen people, including more than a dozen directors of travel agencies, are facing charges for allegedly defrauding nearly HK$3 million from Hong Kong’s subsidised travel scheme.
They were arrested on suspicion of forging receipts to claim fees from the Green Lifestyle Local Tour Incentive Scheme.
The scheme was jointly organised by the government and the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong.
Suspects include 14 directors and five staff members of 15 travel agencies.
Crime squad chief inspector Lo Yin-lam said the fraud was uncovered when the Travel Industry Council audited applications for funds made by the agencies.
Bogus receipts were sent in for tours that didn’t take place.
"They include those from restaurants, coach services and travel insurance, which the travel agencies used to apply for funds without holding any tours," he said.
"Some were made from genuine receipts, with its original information altered," he said.
Police said investigations continue and more arrests may be possible.
Under the scheme a travel agency could be granted up a total of HK$200,000 based on the number of tours conducted and the number of tour participants.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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