Two members convicted of lying about permanent departure to withdraw MPF early

Two MPF scheme members have been convicted over an MPF withdrawal permanent departure scam — making false statements to trustees, claiming they had permanently left Hong Kong, in a bid to withdraw their MPF early.

How did they do it?

Fake claims of permanent departure. The pair told trustees they had left or were about to leave Hong Kong permanently, submitting false information to apply for early withdrawal of accrued benefits. The MPFA investigated after tip-offs, found neither had left, and referred the cases for prosecution, ending in convictions.

How serious is the penalty?

False statements are a criminal offence. Under the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance, making false statements to trustees to withdraw MPF early is prosecutable, carrying fines and imprisonment on conviction. The MPFA reminds members that permanent departure is a legitimate early-withdrawal ground — but declarations must be truthful.

To learn about legitimate early-withdrawal routes, visit MPF fund comparison.