Hong Kong Customs combats sale of memory cards with infringing music files (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 3) conducted an operation to combat the sale of memory cards with infringing music files. A total of 5 668 memory cards loaded with suspected infringing music files and a batch of song list booklets with an estimated market value of about $280,000 were seized. Four persons were arrested.

     Customs earlier received information alleging the sale of memory cards loaded with suspected infringing music files at fixed hawker pitches in Sham Shui Po. After investigation, Customs officers conducted an operation yesterday and seized the batch of memory cards and the song list booklets at three fixed hawker pitches on Apliu Street.

     During the operation, one male shop owner and three female salespersons, aged between 32 and 70, were arrested.

     Investigation is ongoing and the arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.

     Customs will continue to step up patrols to curb any form of infringing activity.

     Under the Copyright Ordinance, any person who possesses an infringing copy of a copyright work with a view to selling it commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $50,000 per infringing copy and imprisonment for four years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected infringing activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).