Hong Kong Customs detects first case involving counterfeit vintage clothes (with photos)

     Hong Kong Customs seized a total of about 9 300 items of suspected counterfeit vintage clothes and 40 suspected counterfeit handbags with an estimated market value of about $5.3 million at Lok Ma Chau Control Point, Tsuen Wan and Mong Kok on March 12 and 16. This is the first case involving counterfeit vintage clothes detected by Customs.

     Through risk assessment, Customs officers intercepted an incoming truck at Lok Ma Chau Control Point on March 12. About 75 items of suspected counterfeit vintage clothes and 40 suspected counterfeit handbags were found inside two express consignments arriving in Hong Kong from Thailand and the United Arab Emirates via the Mainland in the cargo compartment.

     After follow-up investigation, Customs officers on March 16 took enforcement action and raided the retail shop of a vintage clothes company located in Mong Kok and its storehouse in Tsuen Wan. A total of about 9 200 items of suspected counterfeit vintage clothes were seized. Two persons suspected to be in connection with the case, including a 23-year-old male sole proprietor and a 22-year-old saleslady of the company, were arrested.

     Initial investigations revealed that the company sourced vintage clothes, including suspected counterfeit goods, from the Asian region and subsequently sold them to local customers.

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

     Customs will continue to maintain close contact with trademark owners in monitoring the market situation and combating the sale of counterfeit vintage clothes. The department will also strengthen co-operation with the Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies and take stringent enforcement action against cross-boundary counterfeit goods activities.

     Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who imports or exports any goods to which a forged trademark is applied, or 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 counterfeiting activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).