​Hong Kong Customs mounted a special enforcement operation in Mong Kok between September 20 and today (September 25) to combat the sale of counterfeit goods and seized about 8 500 items of suspected counterfeit goods with an estimated market value of about $3.6 million.
Customs earlier conducted patrols and discovered some fixed-pitch hawker stalls selling suspected counterfeit goods in Mong Kok. After investigations, Customs officers took enforcement action during the abovementioned period and raided 25 fixed-pitch hawker stalls on Tung Choi Street and a nearby upstairs counterfeit goods storage. A batch of suspected counterfeit goods, including handbags, wallets and headphones, was seized.
During the operation, Customs arrested two women, aged 35 and 41. An investigation is ongoing.
With the National Day Golden Week of the Mainland approaching, Customs will continue to step up inspection and enforcement to vigorously combat different kinds of counterfeit goods activities in order to safeguard consumer rights at full strength.
Customs appeals to consumers to purchase goods at reputable shops and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt. Customs also reminds traders 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) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Ends/Wednesday, September 25, 2024
