The Hong Kong Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority (MPFA) has raised concerns about suspected cases of forging or using false documents to illegally obtain early Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) withdrawals, including on the grounds of terminal illness or total incapacity, and said it is providing full support to facilitate the Police investigation. It noted this is the first time suspected forgery or use of false documents has been identified in applications for early MPF withdrawal on the grounds of terminal illness. The MPFA is liaising with the Police and MPF trustees to follow up on suspicious cases, and reminded scheme members that forging or using a false instrument is an offence under the Crimes Ordinance, carrying a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment on conviction. Trustees have been reminded to maintain effective gatekeeping when assessing early-withdrawal applications and verifying supporting documents, and are required to report suspicious cases to the Police and notify the MPFA.