The Social Welfare Department noted today that Police have arrested eight more people in connection with fraud cases referred by the department involving Traffic Accident Victims Assistance (TAVA).

The department explained that it has made multiple referrals to Police since March 2024 on TAVA applications suspected of false medical certificate submissions.

According to Police records, up to June 25, 2025, a total of 353 people were arrested. Upon thorough investigation, Police have further arrested eight more people suspected of committing fraud in recent days.

The department highlighted that it has enhanced the TAVA Scheme and implemented new measures since June 28, 2025.

The new measures include merging the Injury Grant and Interim Maintenance Grant of the TAVA Scheme into the Compassionate Grant (CG) which is up to a maximum of 60 days of sick leave; requiring an applicant to obtain certification from a registered medical practitioner, including a registered Chinese medicine practitioner, to prove that his or her injury requires hospitalisation for no less than seven days or sick leave for at least seven days; and setting a ceiling on the number of CG applications submitted by the same applicant to once within two years.

Those providing false information to obtain TAVA payments will be subject to a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment.

The department stated that it will continue to fully assist with Police's investigation to combat such crimes and ensure the proper use of public resources.