The Home Affairs Department and Police have raided 62 suspected unlicensed guesthouses and bedspace apartments in Tsuen Wan in a large-scale joint operation.

Twelve of them were found to be operating unlicensed, and prosecution actions may be instigated after the Department of Justice is consulted.

Assistant Director of Home Affairs Angelina Cheung said the department's Office of the Licensing Authority identifies and investigates potential unlicensed guesthouses and bedspace apartments from advertisements in newspapers and real estate agents, and public complaints.

The operation was part of a series of enhanced policing and prosecution actions by the authority against such illegal premises.

The authority has also stepped up manpower for enforcement and extended its intelligence network.

In view of the increasing number of enquiries on guesthouse licence applications, the authority has set up an enquiry hotline (2881 7034) and can arrange meetings with applicants to explain the licensing requirements and expedite processing time.

Operating an unlicensed guesthouse is liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and a jail sentence of two years and operating an unlicensed bedspace apartment is subject to a maximum fine of $100,000 and a jail sentence of two years.

To report the operation of any unlicensed guesthouses and bedspace apartments call 2881 7498.