Hong Kong Customs seized about 12 000 items of suspected counterfeit goods with an estimated market value of about $17 million at Shenzhen Bay Control Point and in Lai Chi Kok on October 30 and November 1 respectively. One person was arrested.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers on October 30 intercepted an incoming truck at Shenzhen Bay Control Point and seized over 11 000 items of suspected counterfeit goods, including sports shoes, mobile phones and accessories, inside the truck. The 56-year-old male driver was arrested.
After follow-up investigation, Customs officers took enforcement action on November 1 and raided a logistics company in Lai Chi Kok. About 500 items of suspected counterfeit goods, including mobile phones and accessories, were further seized.
Initial investigation revealed that the batch of goods would have been re-exported to overseas countries including Middle East and South American countries.
Investigation is ongoing and the arrested male driver has been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs will continue to strengthen co-operation with the Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies and take stringent enforcement action against cross-boundary counterfeit goods activities.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who imports or exports any goods to which a forged trademark is applied 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 counterfeiting activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, November 5, 2021
