Bulletin: On Three Filipino Tourists Jailed in Hong Kong

20 February 2019 – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is assisting the three call center employees who were sentenced to five-month imprisonment on 18 February after their “free Hong Kong tour” turned out to be a scam to open bank accounts using forged documents.

Consul General Antonio A. Morales reported that the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong has been providing in-kind support and legal advice to the three Filipinos, including jail visits to ascertain their condition.

Consul General Morales said the three are expected to be released in March after serving a reduced sentence for pleading guilty to two counts of “using a false instrument” before the Eastern Magistrates’ Courts.

The three went to Hong Kong in October and using forged documents, opened bank accounts at the Bank of China and Standard Chartered Bank, which authorities suspect will be used for money laundering. Despite successfully opening an account, bank officials became suspicious and they were arrested when they returned to the Bank of China on 12 October. END