Hong Kong Customs seized about 3 000 pieces of suspected counterfeit products with an estimated market value of about $230,000 during a special operation mounted against a suspected counterfeiting syndicate in Central District this morning (April 9).
Customs is stepping up enforcement actions against counterfeiting activities before the Easter Holiday and a special operation was conducted in Central District this morning. During the operation, Customs officers raided three upstairs storages-cum-showrooms of suspected counterfeit goods as well as three mobile hawker stalls which sold such goods. About 3 000 pieces of suspected counterfeit products, including clothing, shoes, handbags, watches and eyeglasses were seized.
Six men and one woman, aged between 33 and 48, were arrested.
Investigation is ongoing.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO), any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure commodities at reputable shops.
Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement actions against counterfeiting activities and step up patrolling and enforcement actions throughout the Easter Holiday period.
Members of the public may report any suspected counterfeiting activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Sunday, April 9, 2017
