Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 7) arrested the female director of a travel agency suspected of engaging in unfair trade practices in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
Customs earlier received a complaint from a tour group comprising 16 members alleging that a travel agent confirmed the arrangement of a direct flight from Hong Kong to Seoul, Korea for their five-day tour group to Seoul, Korea. On the departure day, the tour group discovered that the travel agent had provided an indirect flight to Seoul via Busan instead of a direct flight. Initial investigation by Customs resulted in the arrest of the 22-year-old female director. The case is still under investigation and the arrested person has been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs reminded traders to comply with the legislative requirements to avoid violating the TDO and consumers to shop with prudence and to ask if in doubt.
Under the TDO, trade descriptions can be applied by whatever means including oral and written statements. Any person who in the course of any trade or business applies a false trade description to any goods or services commits an offence. The maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
The department will continue to crack down on unfair trade practices so as to safeguard consumer rights. Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the TDO to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Friday, July 8, 2016