Hong Kong Customs conducted a special operation and smashed a suspected counterfeit syndicate in Mong Kok yesterday (December 13). A seizure of about 3 000 pieces of suspected counterfeit products with an estimated market value of about $4 million was made.
Customs has been committed to fighting counterfeit activities and conducts patrol in different districts. During the patrol earlier, Customs officers found some hawker stalls in Mong Kok were selling suspected counterfeit goods.
After investigation, Customs officers conducted an operation and raided two storages and two fixed hawker pitches of a suspected counterfeit syndicate on Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok yesterday. During the operation, Customs officers seized more than 3 000 pieces of suspected counterfeit goods including watches, handbags and leather goods, as well as a tablet for displaying photos of suspected counterfeit goods. Three women, aged between 39 and 50, were arrested.
Investigation is ongoing.
Customs would step up enforcement actions against counterfeit activities during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Customs reminds traders that selling counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions. Customs also appeals to consumers to purchase at reputable shops and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agencies if the authenticity of the product is in doubt.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, 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.
Members of the public may report any suspected infringing activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Thursday, December 14, 2017
