Beggars Inc.

When you visit Hong Kong, you may be moved by the plight of beggars you may encounter.

Appearances are deceiving. Syndicates import limbless men from the mainland to prey on people's sympathies. My pity went out the window after witnessing several of these shameless fellows set up for business. I've watched them scout a suitable location, get organised, then transform themselves into looking pathetic within the space of a few minutes.

A new trend has emerged where increasing numbers of female beggars have small children with them. I suspected something nefarious was afoot; my suspicions are confirmed.

A growing number of professional beggars - many arriving from the mainland on two-way permits - are bringing along children to attract sympathy, police warn. There have also been claims of children being drugged, welfare group Against Child Abuse says.

"We've received many reports about children being brought along by beggars. Some even claimed that the children were drugged ..."

Police, who have increased patrols in some areas, said professional gangs were placing beggars in crowded places. The beggars often appeared to be handicapped, old and infirm. Now, in the latest trend started in Shenzhen, women beggars had babies or young children with them. Because begging is an offence in Hong Kong, a second gang member is usually nearby as a lookout.

[ ... ]

Police acknowledged there had been unconfirmed reports of begging gangs that rented children and then drugged them so they would not struggle.

Now I know why the kids are fast asleep in the midst of street noise.

People should stop giving money to anyone begging with a kid and report the scumbag to the police. Donations benefit the criminals, and worse, contribute to the further endangerment of the children.

Keep your money in your pocket.

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