SINGAPORE: They’re often used in Hollywood, and are a recurring and perhaps properly- worn essence of the Mission Impossible movie.
Realistic silicone face masks are now in the spotlight in China in response to recent capers committed by criminals while wearing them, causing calls for tighter oversight as a result of concerns that they could become the inmates ‘ routine, particularly given how accessible they are.
Foreign e-commerce platforms like Taobao and Pinduduo have stepped up the search for these masks as analysts warn that the products may help criminals escape verification or even make identification fraud or imitation by bypassing facial reputation systems.
CNA conducted tests to discover that rubber face masks may be quickly delivered from China to other Asian locations, such as Singapore. But experts say there is n’t cause for alarm.
” I think that if ( like a mask is purchased and used to commit a crime, or to attempt to commit a crime, then that is definitely going to be an offence,” said Mr. Chung Ting Fai, the leader of an namesake law firm with a focus on intellectual property and business regulation in both China and Singapore.
But at present there have been no such cases ( in Singapore ), so this has not been an issue, “he told CNA.
UNMASKING Thieves
Silicone faces have recently been the subject of controversy and public concern in China, as a result of local media reports on many thefts where the perpetrators used them.
In March, four homes in Shanghai were broken into and over 100, 000 yuan ( US$ 13, 760 ) in valuables stolen. When police apprehended the suspect, they learned that it was a gentleman in his 40s who had used a silicone mask to disguise himself as an elder person.
Final month, a burglar broke into five rural communities in southeast Jiangsu state, stealing 30, 000 chinese price of goods. He reportedly used a rubber mask on hand to fend off the police if necessary while posing as an electronic worker.