Formerly known as Cross-border Crime in Hong Kong, this second edition reviews cross-border crime in a Hong Kong context including the proposed arrangements for surrender of fugitive offenders between Hong Kong and other parts of China (also known as the ‘Extradition Bill’), promulgation of the Law of the PRC on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR with a focus on funding of offences endangering national security, and imposition of financial sanctions in respect of Hong Kong by the United States under the Hong Kong Autonomy Act and the Executive Order on Hong Kong Normalization.
As Lord Griffiths observed in Liangsiriprasert (Somchai) v Government of the United States of America [1991] 1 AC 225, “Crime is now established on an international scale and the common law must face this new reality.” The second edition of this title continues to offer practical guidance to legal practitioners, law enforcement authorities and others including financial institutions, as well as to foreign practitioners and authorities, on various aspects of cross-border crime with a Hong Kong nexus. The issues surrounding the continued absence of cross-border arrangements for criminal matters with other parts of China was brought to the forefront in 2019.
Due to the high public importance accorded to the subject, the legislative proposals for the surrender of wanted persons between the Hong Kong SAR and other jurisdictions, including other parts of China (also known as the “Extradition Bill”), are discussed in detail. The subsequent promulgation of the Law of the PRC on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR is canvassed with a focus on offences of funding prohibited acts endangering national security. The imposition of unilateral financial sanctions in respect of Hong Kong by the United States under the Hong Kong Autonomy Act and Executive Order on Hong Kong Normalization is also covered. The effect of international bilateral or multilateral arrangements applicable to Hong Kong have been highlighted, including relevant United Nations Conventions and ordinances relating to cross-border offences, anti-terrorism, anti-money laundering, and human rights issues. The recent suspension of some of Hong Kong’s bilateral extradition and mutual legal assistance Agreements is considered. Written in a comprehensive and clear manner, the text will be invaluable for anyone seeking to understand this area of law.
