Govt Blasted Over Inept 'fake Marriage' Crackdown

Lawmakers on both sides of the political divide have expressed concern about the low conviction rate for people arrested over "bogus marriages".

This came after the under secretary for security, Sonny Au, told a Legco Security panel meeting that authorities arrested almost 11,000 people in the past decade, but only around 1,700 were convicted.

He explained that as the parties involved in the suspected cases agree to carry out the fraud, it is rare to get complaints. The police have to collect information and intelligence to find evidence.

Hong Kong First lawmaker Claudia Mo said she understands it's difficult to prove such marriages are fake, but said she still believes the conviction rate is unsatisfactory.

Mo said there should be more scrutiny of one-way permit holders who come from the mainland.

Marriage certificates are used as document to claim residency status in Hong Kong and police have warned that gangs lure young people in the SAR to enter into "fake marriages" for huge amounts of money.