Hong Kong’s anti-corruption watchdog has warned the public about impersonating its employees after a mainland Chinese tourist allegedly posed as an agency investigator in photos posted online.
The woman, 30, surnamed Liu and who describes herself as a model and a fashion blogger from Shanghai, shared photos of her recent trip to Hong Kong on Instagram-like Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu.
In some photos, Liu, dressed in an office employee uniform, appears to be standing next to the logo outside the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) headquarters in North Point.
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She also displays what looks like a staff warrant card with her name and “principal investigator” rank on it.
In the photos, the card appears to be valid until December 31, 2029.
ICAC has been enjoying an international reputation for its achievements since it was set up in 1974, especially on the mainland, after several television dramas were made about the agency.
Known for its tough stance against corruption, ICAC has been hailed for helping to make Hong Kong one of the least corrupt places in the world.
An ICAC spokesman said on Tuesday the individual in the photos was not one of their staff members.
The agency reminded the public that under the ICAC Ordinance, impersonating an agency officer was a criminal offence punishable by up to one year in prison and a HK$25,000 (US$3,205) fine.
Liu’s post triggered heated online discussion. Some internet users questioned Liu for impersonating an ICAC officer, saying “Any arrests so far?”, “Are you falsely pretending to be a public officer?”, “Aren’t you afraid of legal consequences for forging fake documents?” and “Is she that bored?”
The photos were later removed from her social media account.
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