Hong Kong Customs conducted a strike-and-search operation and successfully smashed a counterfeiting syndicate active at Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok yesterday (August 17). Customs officers seized about 2 600 items of suspected counterfeit goods with a total value of about $2.5 million.
After an in-depth investigation, Customs raided one fixed hawker pitch, an upstairs showroom, and one storage and one mobile storage trolley with suspected counterfeit goods in Mong Kok yesterday. In the operation, about 2 600 pieces of suspected counterfeit goods including watches, handbags and leather goods, valued at about $2.5 million, and two tablets for displaying photos of suspected counterfeit goods were seized.
Two men and a woman, aged between 22 and 37, were arrested. They were suspected of selling counterfeit goods to which forged trademarks had been applied, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. The investigation is ongoing.
Divisional Commander (Intellectual Property General Investigation), Ms Phoebe Wong, today (August 18) said that Customs would continue taking stringent enforcement action against counterfeiting activities. Members of the public are advised to purchase at shops with good reputations. She also reminded traders that sale of counterfeit goods was a serious crime and liable to criminal sanctions.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, it is an offence to sell or possess for sale any goods with a forged trademark. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum penalty of imprisonment for five years and a fine of $500,000.
Anyone with information relating to the sale of suspected counterfeit goods may call Customs via the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Thursday, August 18, 2016