Joining forces: Assistant Commissioner of Customs & Excise Tam Yiu-keung (third left) signs the Oil Industry Reward Scheme agreement with oil company representatives.

Customs have renewed the Oil Industry Reward Scheme with five oil companies for another year with effect from October 1. Since last October, rewards totalling $35,000 have been paid for information in four cases, in which four people were arrested and 42,070 litres of illicit fuel seized.

The five oil companies are Chevron Hong Kong, Chinaoil (Hong Kong) Corporation, ExxonMobil Hong Kong, Shell Hong Kong and Sinopec (Hong Kong).

The scheme was launched on April 1, 1996, to encourage the public to provide information on illicit fuel activities. Under the scheme, the oil companies contribute $1 million a year to reward people who offer information leading to the seizure and forfeiture of illicit fuel. Higher rewards may be paid for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved under specific circumstances. The rewards range from $1,500 to $170,000 for each case.

People can report illicit fuel activities by calling 2545 6182, faxing 2543 4942, writing GPO Box 1166 or in person.