Hong Kong Customs yesterday (August 11) raided two counterfeit goods showrooms in Mong Kok and Yau Ma Tei and seized 3,000 pieces of forged goods worth about $700,000.
Customs Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau officers had mounted an operation, codenamed "Hunter", against sale activities of counterfeit goods in Mong Kok. During the operation, Customs officers discovered that the syndicate had arranged for visitors to go to the counterfeit goods showroom in Yau Ma Tei by taxi to avoid Customs detection.
Last night, Customs officers raided a commercial premises in Yau Ma Tei where they seized 2,100 pieces of counterfeit goods, including hand bags, wallets, suitcases, leather belts, scarves and watches, worth about $450,000. A 19-year-old Mainland woman was arrested.
Officers also searched another commercial premises in Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, and seized 890 pieces of forged items, with a total value of $240,000.
Investigations revealed that members of the syndicate usually solicited overseas visitors near Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, before taking them to the nearby showrooms.
Group Head (Intellectual Property Investigation (Operations)), Mr Thomas Lin, said today (August 12) that Customs would step up enforcement action against sale activities of counterfeit goods during peak seasons for visitors. He also appealed to visitors not to patronise counterfeit goods.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, it is a criminal offence to sell goods with forged trade marks. The maximum penalty is imprisonment for five years and a fine of $500,000. People are encouraged to call the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 to report suspected counterfeit goods sale activities.
Ends/Tuesday, August 11, 2009
