Customs officers from the Special Task Force this (November 9) morning mounted an anti-piracy operation in Kwai Chung and seized about 100 000 pirated optical discs worth about $2.54 million.
After a-week-long investigation, the officers laid an ambush on the 18th floor of an industrial building at 68 Ta Chuen Ping Street. At about 9.10am today, the officer stopped a man and seized about 10 000 suspected optical discs.
After enquiries, the officers raided a unit on the same floor where they arrested another two men and four women and seized another 90 000 pirated optical discs, six computers, 28 CD and 14 DVD writers. The total seizure is worth about $2.54 million.
The seven arrested persons - four women and three men - aged between 23 to 46 years old, are being detained for further enquiries.
Speaking at a press briefing today, the Group Head of Customs Special Task Force, Mr Albert Chan, said the Customs would continue to take vigorous enforcement action against piracy activities.
He appealed to members of the public to report any piracy activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Under the Copyright Ordinance, anyone who is found in possession of any infringing article for commercial purpose is liable to prosecution. The maximum penalty for the offence is four years' imprisonment and a fine of $50,000 per infringing article.
Ends/Tuesday, November 9, 2004