Hong Kong Ordinances

MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE - SECT 47

Order for delivery of goods stolen or fraudulently obtained and in possession of dealer in second-hand property

(1) If any goods are stolen or unlawfully obtained from any person, or, having
been lawfully obtained, are unlawfully deposited, pledged, sold or exchanged,
and complaint is made thereof to a magistrate, and that such goods are in the
possession of any broker, dealer in marine stores or other dealer in
second-hand property, or of any person who has lent money upon the credit of
such goods, it shall be lawful for the magistrate to issue a summons or
warrant for the appearance of such broker, dealer or lender and for the
production of such goods to be delivered up to the owner thereof, either
without payment or on payment of such sum and at such time as the magistrate
may think fit.

(2) Every broker, dealer or lender who, having been so ordered, refuses or
neglects to deliver up the goods, or who disposes of or makes away with the
same after notice that such goods were stolen or unlawfully obtained as
aforesaid, shall forfeit to the owner of the goods the full value thereof:
Provided that no such order shall bar any such broker, dealer or lender from
recovering possession of such goods by action from the person into whose
possession they may come by virtue of the magistrate's order, provided that
such action is commenced within 6 months next after such order has been made.

(3) Nothing in this section shall affect pawnbrokers.