The amendment is expected to enhance investigative capacity and deterrence, allowing government to investigate and prosecute the offenders.

Lawmaker Elizabeth Quat Pui-fan introduced the amendment bill, hoping it can demonstrate to the international community Hong Kong’s commitment to stem out such crimes.

WWF-Hong Kong welcomed the amendment bill.

Jovy Chan Yuet-shan, manager of wildlife conservation at WWF-Hong Kong, pointed out that the number of illegal wildlife trade remains high.

Hong Kong is the core transport hub for illegal wildlife trade as criminals traffic in some of the rarest species using the ports of the city, which may cause certain species to be extinct, according to Chan.

She expected the amendment can empower law enforcement to mount investigation, to trace transactions involving individuals or companies, and to confiscated the profits they make in these crimes.

Law enforcement with sufficient evidence can then prosecute the criminals, Chan said.