Hong Kong Customs today (April 2) conducted an anti-counterfeiting operation to combat the sale of counterfeit handbags and leather products. A total of about 1 300 pieces of suspected counterfeit handbags and leather products with an estimated market value of about $600,000 were seized.
Customs conducted patrol earlier and found that suspected counterfeit goods were being sold at retail shops in Stanley. After an in-depth investigation and with the assistance of trademark owner, Customs officers today took enforcement action and raided two retail shops and one storage facility in the district. The batch of suspected counterfeit goods were also seized.
During the operation, one man and two women were arrested, including one shop owner and two salespersons, aged between 34 and 47.
Investigation is ongoing.
Customs will continue to step up inspection and enforcement to 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 authenticity of a product is in doubt.
Customs also reminds traders to be cautious and prudent in merchandising since the sale of counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal liability.
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 any suspected infringing activities to the Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, April 2, 2019
