Car seller convicted of supplying second-hand vehicle with false trade description
A car seller was convicted and sentenced to nine weeks' imprisonment suspended for two years and fine of $10,000 at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts today (June 30) for supplying a second-hand vehicle with a false trade description, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
Hong Kong Customs earlier received information alleging that a car seller had supplied a second-hand car suspected of bearing a false odometer reading (travelling mileage) to a consumer.
After an investigation, Customs found that a car dealer resold the second-hand car to the above-mentioned consumer with travelling mileage indicated at about 80 000 kilometres. It was subsequently confirmed that the vehicle's actual travelling mileage exceeded 150 000km.
Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO, and consumers to procure products at reputable shops.
Under the TDO, any person who supplies goods with a false trade description in the course of trade or business, or is in possession of any goods for sale with a false trade description, commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
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Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the TDO to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).