香港海關偵破未註冊鑽石交易案件 一名公司董事被捕
香港海關於2024年1月2日成功偵破一宗涉及未註冊鑽石交易的案件，並拘捕了涉案公司的一名董事。該公司未經註冊進行多宗金額逾12萬港元的鑽石交易，這不僅違反了香港的法律規定，也暴露出一些貴金屬及寶石業務經營者對監管規範的忽視。
根據香港海關的報告，該公司在沒有依照《打擊洗錢及恐怖分子資金籌集條例》所要求的註冊情況下，進行了數宗總額超過12萬港元的鑽石交易。所有在香港從事貴金屬及寶石交易的商業活動，如果涉及12萬港元或以上的交易金額（無論是現金還是非現金支付），均需向海關註冊。
涉及的董事被捕後，已獲准保釋，但案件仍在進一步調查中。海關強調，任何未註冊的貴金屬及寶石交易商，無論其業務規模大小，都不應忽視這一法律要求。根據法律規定，未註冊進行大額交易者將面臨最高10萬元港幣罰款及最多6個月監禁的處罰。
海關提醒所有貴金屬及寶石交易商，註冊過渡期已經結束，所有業務必須在獲得註冊後才能進行金額為12萬港元或以上的交易。如果您不確定是否需要註冊或如何進行註冊，建議儘早聯繫專業的合規顧問，避免因違法交易而承擔高額罰款和刑事責任。
《貴金屬及寶石交易商監管制度》簡介
所有涉及貴金屬和寶石業務的公司和個人，必須遵守香港特區政府於2023年4月1日實施的新規範，即《貴金屬及寶石交易商監管制度》。該制度要求所有在香港經營貴金屬及寶石交易，並進行12萬港元以上交易的商家必須註冊，並接受海關的監管。
註冊類別 | 交易方式 |
A類註冊人 | 非現金交易 |
B類註冊人 | 現金交易及非現金交易 |
**更多關於貴金屬及寶石交易商註冊的資訊，請參考天匯合規網站上的詳細指引**
根據《打擊洗錢及恐怖分子資金籌集條例》（第615章）的要求，未經註冊的交易不僅涉及法律風險，還可能引發洗錢和恐怖分子資金籌集等金融犯罪問題。所有貴金屬及寶石交易商在進行大額交易前，必須先向香港海關註冊，以確保合規經營。
為什麼需要監管？
貴金屬和寶石，尤其是鑽石、金、銀等高價值商品，往往成為洗錢、資金籌集和其他非法活動的工具。由於這些交易通常金額巨大且難以追蹤，若缺乏有效的監管，將容易成為金融犯罪的溫床。這一註冊制度旨在提高對貴金屬和寶石交易的監管透明度，確保該行業避免用作洗錢、資金籌集等非法活動的渠道。
如您有任何疑問，或需要協助完成註冊過程，請隨時聯繫我們。我們提供專業的合規顧問服務，幫助您輕鬆應對監管要求。
此外，參加天匯合規網上持續培訓平台 – Thinkific提供的貴金屬及寶石交易商（”DPMS”）線上培訓課程，了解更多貴金屬及寶石業務經營的合規知識。
The Customs Reveal another Unregistered Diamond Trading Case
On 2 January 2024, Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department (the “Customs”) successfully uncovered a case involving unregistered diamond trading and arrested the involved director. The company had conducted multiple transactions exceeding HK$120,000 in diamond sales without the required registration, violating Hong Kong’s legal regulations and highlighting the negligence of some precious metals and gemstone traders regarding the regulatory framework.
According to the Customs, the company carried out several transactions exceeding HK$120,000 in total, without registering as required by the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (“AMLO”) (Cap. 615). All businesses engaging in precious metals and gemstone transactions in Hong Kong involving amounts of HK$120,000 or more (whether in cash or non-cash payments) are required to register with the Customs.
The arrested director has been released on bail; investigation still ongoing. The Customs emphasized that all precious metals and gemstone traders, regardless of the size of their business, must comply with Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones (“DPMS”) Regulatory Regime. Violate the registration rule can result in fines of up to HK$100,000 and a maximum of 6 months' imprisonment.
The Customs urges all precious metals and gemstone traders that the grace period for registration has ended, and must register before engaging in transactions of HK$120,000 or more. If you are unsure whether you need to register or how to register, it is advisable to contact a professional compliance advisor to avoid any legal breaches.
Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones (“DPMS”) Regulatory Regime
All entities and individuals involved in the precious metals and gemstones business must comply with the new regulations under the DPMS implemented by the Hong Kong SAR government on 1 April 2023. The system requires businesses engaging in precious metals and gemstones transactions of HK$120,000 or more to register and be monitored by the Customs.
Registration Categories | Registration Categories |
Category A | Non-cash transactions |
Category B | Cash and non-cash transactions |
For more information about registering as a precious metals and gemstones trader, please refer to the detailed guidelines on the ComplianceOne website.
In accordance with the AMLO, unregistered transactions not only carry legal risks but may also trigger money laundering and terrorist financing concerns. All traders must register with the Customs before engaging in large transactions to ensure compliance.
Why Is Regulation Needed for DPMS?
Precious metals and gemstones, especially diamonds, gold, and silver, are often used for money laundering, fundraising for terrorism, and other illicit activities. These transactions typically involve large sums of money and untraceable. Without regulation, they can become a breeding ground for financial crimes. The DPMS regulatory regime aims to increase transparency in the precious metals and gemstones market and ensure that the industry is not used for money laundering, terrorist financing, or any other illegal activities.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the registration process, please feel free to Contact Us. We provide professional compliance advisory services to help you meet legal requirements smoothly.
For more compliance knowledge, join the DPMS online training course on ComplianceOne Onling Training Platform - Thinkific.