Three Mainlanders who entered into bogus marriages with Hong Kong residents have been jailed 12 to 18 months by Sha Tin Magistracy.

The first case involved 38-year-old Gao Jianli who pleaded guilty to two counts of making a false representation to an Immigration officer. Gao was given an effective sentence of 18 months.

Chen Yongzeng, 43, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud and was jailed 12 months.

Xu Minghong, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of making a false representation to an immigration officer and to one count of conspiracy to defraud, and was jailed 18 months.

They were found inside a boarding house during an anti-illegal worker operation on December 12. All three had endorsements for visiting their 'wives'. However, investigations unveiled they entered into bogus marriages to get exit endorsements and look for jobs in Hong Kong.