OFCA’s Successful Raid against Suspected Use of Illegal Radio Transmitter for Broadcasting


The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) mounted a raid operation this evening (30 January 2018) against a suspected use of illegal radio transmitter for FM sound broadcasting by the Citizens' Radio at an industrial building located in Chai Wan.

"Under the authority of a court warrant, OFCA officers entered the premises in Chai Wan and seized one radio transmitter set.  During the operation, one person was requested to assist in further investigations," a spokesperson for OFCA said.

"It is unlawful for any person to establish or maintain any means of telecommunications without an appropriate licence under the Telecommunications Ordinance (Cap. 106) (TO).  Any person who engages in such an illegal activity contravenes section 8(1) of the TO and may be subject to prosecution.  The offender is liable to a fine of $100,000 and five years' imprisonment upon conviction," the spokesperson continued.

"Those who knowingly participate in the transmission of messages through unlicensed radio transmitters may also commit a criminal offence under section 23 of the TO.  The offender is liable to a fine of $50,000," the spokesperson added. 

"Illegal radio broadcasting may cause harmful interference to other legitimate radio spectrum users.  OFCA will continue to enforce the law to ensure proper use of the radio spectrum," the spokesperson emphasised.  

Office of the Communications Authority
30 January 2018