Hong Kong Customs yesterday (May 9) conducted an operation to combat the sale of counterfeit goods and seized about 560 items of suspected counterfeit goods with an estimated market value of about $240,000.
Customs earlier received information alleging the sale of suspected counterfeit goods at a large-scale trading shop situated in an industrial building in Tuen Mun. After an in-depth investigation and with the assistance of a trademark owner, Customs officers took enforcement action yesterday and raided the shop operating both wholesale and retail business. A batch of suspected counterfeit goods, including sneakers, bags and suitcases, was also seized.
During the operation, a 46-year-old saleswoman was arrested.
Investigation is ongoing.
Customs will continue to step up inspection and enforcement to combat the sale 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.
Customs also reminds traders to 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).
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