Hong Kong Customs today (April 12) arrested a female director and a female salesperson of a domestic helper agency suspected of having applied a false trade description to the employment services supplied, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
Customs earlier received information alleging that an employer recruited a foreign domestic helper via a domestic helper agency which falsely claimed that the helper had finished a two-year employment contract. After investigation, Customs officers today arrested two women, aged 48 and 40. Investigation is ongoing and the arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs reminded traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure services at reputable shops.
Under the TDO, any trader who applies a false trade description to a service supplied to a consumer 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 violations of the TDO to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Wednesday, April 12, 2017