Hong Kong Customs special operation combats sale of counterfeit goods (with photos)
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Hong Kong Customs conducted a special operation across shopping spots in Mong Kok on October 3 and yesterday (October 9) to combat the sale of counterfeit goods, seizing a total of about 1 100 suspected counterfeit clothes and sneakers with an estimated market value of about $820,000.
Customs earlier received information alleging the sale of suspected counterfeit clothing at two retailers in Mong Kok. After an in-depth investigation and with the assistance of trademark owners, Customs officers took enforcement action on October 3 and 9, and raided the two retailers in Mong Kok and a storage facility in a commercial building in Yau Ma Tei, seizing the batch of suspected counterfeit goods.
During the operation, Customs arrested two men, aged 31 and 52. They have been released on bail pending further investigation.
An investigation is underway and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
Customs will continue to step up inspection and enforcement to vigorously combat the sale of counterfeit goods.
Customs reminds consumers to procure goods at reputable shops and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the product authenticity is in doubt. Traders should also be cautious and prudent in merchandising since the sale of counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Members of the public may report the sale of suspected counterfeit goods to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).