Security chief faces heat over cross-border parallel traders

The security minister was grilled by lawmakers on Monday who criticised the government for not doing enough to curb cross-border parallel traders.

Lai Tung-kwok, secretary for security, repeatedly dodged critical remarks in a security panel meeting in the Legislative Council as lawmakers expressed worries that the illegal trades have intensified some Hongkongers’ hatred towards mainlanders.

Lai only pledged to take action against the masterminds behind these activities “at the appropriate time”.

“We will closely monitor the modus operandi of parallel trade activities, [and] continue to adopt the strategy of cracking down at source.

“We will also maintain close intelligence exchange with mainland authorities to combat organised parallel trade activities,” Lai said.

But lawmakers – both pro-establishment and pro-democracy – slammed the bureau for failing to curb the situation.