The Immigration Department has arrested nine local employers and 63 suspected illegal workers in a three-day territory-wide operation codenamed "Breakthrough".

During the operation, 12 suspected forged HK identity cards, including two smart identity cards, and two reported lost Hong Kong identity cards were also found.

Operation "Breakthrough" began at 6.30am on August 10 and ended at 3.30pm today. Immigration investigators raided 60 locations in Mong Kok, Sham Shui Po, Yau Ma Tei, Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsuen Wan, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, Yuen Long and Kowloon City districts including restaurants and flats under renovation.

As a result, 23 men and 40 women aged 20 to 55 were arrested for suspected breach of conditions of stay. Of the arrests, one woman is illegal immigrant from the Mainland, another woman is an Indonesian domestic helper while the rest are Mainland visitors and most of them came from Guangdong.

Seven male and two female employers were arrested for having suspected illegal workers.

Aiders and abettors also liable to prosecution

The Immigration Department warns visitors are not allowed to take up employment, whether paid or unpaid, without prior permission from the Director of Immigration.

Offenders are liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, to a maximum fine of $50,000 and imprisonment for two years. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalty.

It is also an offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. The maximum penalty is a fine of $350,000 and imprisonment for three years.

On the use or possess a forged travel document, offenders are liable to prosecution and, upon conviction, the maximum penalty will be a fine of $150,000 and imprisonment for 14 years.

It is also an offence to be in possession of a forged identity card and the maximum penalty if convicted is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for 10 years.