Hong Kong's arrests over talent scheme scam show need for vigilance
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In the first crackdown of its kind, the immigration authorities arrested a syndicate allegedly offering applicants a '
one-stop service ' with fake academic qualifications, employment proof and other documents for the Top Talent Pass Scheme. Eighteen people were arrested, including five Hongkongers behind the scam and 13 mainland applicants. The group was believed to have operated for 1½ years and worked on at least 22 applications, with each case potentially costing clients up to HK$2.5 million (US$319,000).
The talent scheme has received about 135,000 applications since it was launched in December 2022, with 109,000 approved as of June. The number in connection with the alleged scam is relatively small. But for a recruitment drive of such a wide scale, there is always room for abuse, be it individual acts or well-orchestrated syndicates.
The application mechanism has already been strengthened through the requirement for proof of academic qualifications certified by designated third-party credential verification bodies or the awarding institutions. The authorities have rightly pledged to vet every application strictly and step up random checks.
Closer collaboration with law enforcement agencies across the border will also help. Last December, local media reported that there were talent agencies on the mainland offering to create fake salaries and other records for those applying for the talent scheme. Officials warned aspirants not to trust such agents, adding that assessment would be strict and there were
no loopholes to exploit.
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We hope the latest arrests show the monitoring mechanism is working well, rather than otherwise. The authorities must vigorously check every case to ensure all approvals are worthy ones. At stake is not just the city's image and reputation, but also its manpower and competitiveness.
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