To combat the sale of counterfeit products, Hong Kong Customs and the Police conducted a series of joint operations in Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui on January 28 and 29. Four cases were detected and some 3 900 pieces of suspected counterfeit goods with a total value of about $3.37 million were seized. Four men, aged 23 to 47, were arrested.
During an operation, suspected counterfeit goods were found mixed among genuine products in a retail store in Mong Kok. They were sold at the discount price of the genuine products. After further investigation, Customs officers found some more suspected counterfeit goods in a warehouse in Tsuen Wan. A total of 438 suspected counterfeit goods were seized in this case, valued at about $1.17 million. The arrested 47-year-old man has been released on bail pending further investigation.
Three other clandestine storehouses keeping and selling suspected counterfeit goods were also smashed by Customs during the operations. The enforcement actions resulted in the seizure of about 3 500 items of various kinds of suspected counterfeit goods for sale, including watches, handbags, leather goods and sunglasses, with an estimated value of around $2.2 million. Three men, aged 23 to 28, were arrested.
The Customs Divisional Commander of Intellectual Property Transnational Investigation Division, Mr Mak Wai-chung, said today (January 30) that Customs and the Police would continue to conduct joint enforcement actions to combat more effectively the sale of counterfeit products. He also reminded members of the public and tourists to shop at retail stores with good reputations or at the official stores of the brands.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with any forged trademark, or applies a false trade description in the course of trade, commits an offence. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Anyone with information relating to any suspected violations of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance may call Customs via the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Friday, January 30, 2015
