Hong Kong Customs today (April 19) conducted a special operation in various districts across the territory to combat the sale of counterfeit goods and seized about 2,000 items of suspected counterfeit goods with an estimated market value of about $240,000. During the operations, ten persons were arrested.
Customs earlier received information alleging the sale of suspected counterfeit perfume at several retail shops. After an in-depth investigation and with the assistance of the trademark owner, Customs officers took enforcement action today and raided eight retail shops in Lam Tin, Sham Shui Po, Kwai Chung, Tsuen Wan and Sha Tin as well as an industrial unit in Cheung Sha Wan. A batch of suspected counterfeit goods, including perfume, cosmetics products and accessories, was seized.
During the operation, two men and eight women, comprising two persons-in-charge and eight salespersons, aged between 19 and 57, were arrested.
An investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out. Samples of the suspected counterfeit goods involved in the case will be sent to the Government Laboratory for safety testing.
Customs will continue to step up inspection and enforcement to vigorously combat the sale of different kinds of counterfeit goods.
Customs 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. Traders should also be cautious and prudent in merchandising since the sale of 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 infringing activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, April 19, 2023
