Hong Kong immigration officers have arrested 12 people in a citywide crackdown on illegal labour, with some suspects allegedly working unlawfully as make-up artists for fans attending concerts by singer Gloria Tang Tsz-kei, known as G.E.M.
The suspects were apprehended during a two-day operation that began on Wednesday and involved raids on more than 50 locations, including restaurants, massage parlours, hotel rooms and outdoor photography shooting venues. Among those arrested were nine suspected illegal workers.
Authorities said they believed five mainland Chinese suspects – a man and four women – had promoted make-up and photography services on social media platforms, such as RedNote. They were arrested for allegedly breaching their conditions of stay by working illegally in Hong Kong.
The services included portraits for fan club registrations, bridal shoots, banquet coverage and event make-up, with prices ranging from 999 yuan (US$139) to 2,699 yuan.
Some are suspected of renting hotel rooms in Hong Kong to serve as temporary “make-up studios”, charging about HK$80 (US$10) per session.
They allegedly provided make-up services for a G.E.M. fan club. The singer held five shows at the city’s Kai Tak Sports Park, the last of which concluded on Wednesday.
The operation was launched after online surveillance identified mainland-based artists promoting their availability for work in Hong Kong. Undercover officers then posed as clients to gather evidence before making the arrests.
Three locals were also arrested in the operation, including two women on suspicion of aiding and abetting others in breaching their conditions of stay.
Another woman, believed to be the manager of a local restaurant, was held for allegedly hiring illegal workers.
Authorities said investigations were under way and did not rule out further arrests. - SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST
