Hong Kong Customs conducted a territory-wide operation from December 4 to today (December 6) to combat the sale of suspected counterfeit smartphones and accessories. During the operation, a total of about 3 300 pieces of suspected counterfeit smartphones and accessories with an estimated market value of about $1 million were seized.
Customs earlier received information alleging that suspected counterfeit smartphone accessories were being sold by shops in the retail market. After an in-depth investigation with the assistance of trademark owners, Customs officers started a three-day operation on December 4 covering different districts in Hong Kong. A total of 20 shops and fixed hawker pitches in Wan Chai, Kwun Tong, Mong Kok, Sham Shui Po, Kwai Chung and Tai Po were raided and a total of about 3 300 pieces of suspected counterfeit smartphones and accessories were seized.
During the operation, 20 men and three women were arrested, including 16 persons-in-charge and 7 salespersons, aged between 22 and 60.
Investigations are ongoing.
Customs will continue to step up enforcement to combat the sale of counterfeit goods.
Customs 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 sanctions.
Customs also 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.
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/Thursday, December 6, 2018
