Hong Kong Customs today (November 7) arrested two women suspected of having applied false trade descriptions to employment agency services supplied, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
Customs earlier received information alleging that the two women had made false claims to customers in the provision of employment agency services that the company was a licensed employment agency and the relevant work application procedures had been carried out accordingly, which were contrary to the fact.
After an investigation, Customs officers today arrested the two women, aged 42 and 54.
An investigation is ongoing. The 42-year-old arrested woman is being detained while the 52-year-old arrested woman has been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs reminds 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 Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Thursday, November 7, 2019