Hong Kong Customs today (December 13) arrested a salesman suspected of applying false trade descriptions in the course of selling a mobile phone, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO), at a mobile phone retail shop in Mong Kok.
Customs earlier received information alleging that a salesperson of a mobile phone retail shop in Mong Kok sold a used mobile phone which was claimed to be a brand new product to a customer and also claimed that the shop was an authorised dealer of the concerned brand. After investigation, it was revealed that both claims were contrary to the fact.
Customs officers today arrested a 29-year-old man suspected to be in connection with the case.
Investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure goods at reputable shops.
Under the TDO, any person who applies a false trade description to goods or supplies goods with a false trade description in the course of trade or business, or in the possession of any goods for sale with a false trade description, 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 any suspected violation of the TDO to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Monday, December 13, 2021