Hong Kong Customs yesterday (October 6) conducted an enforcement operation to combat the online sale of counterfeit accessories and seized about 240 suspected counterfeit products with an estimated market value of about $240,000 in a retail shop.
Customs earlier received information alleging that suspected counterfeit accessories had been put on sale through an online platform. Initial investigation found that a seller had set up a dedicated account on a social media platform to sell suspected counterfeit accessories.
After an in-depth investigation and with the assistance of the trademark owners, Customs officers yesterday raided a retail shop in Hung Hom and seized the batch of suspected counterfeit accessories.
During the operation, a 28-year-old woman was arrested.
An investigation is ongoing.
Customs appeals to consumers to purchase goods at shops or online shops with a good reputation and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.
Customs reminds online sellers not to sell counterfeit goods and to be cautious and prudent in merchandising since selling counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.
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 counterfeiting activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, October 7, 2022
