Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods worth about $4.4 million (with photos)

     Hong Kong Customs conducted a series of operations to combat different kinds of local and cross-boundary counterfeit goods activities from February 14 to 16. During the operations, Customs seized more than 11 000 items of suspected counterfeit goods with a total estimated market value of about $4.4 million at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point and in Yuen Long. Two men suspected to be connected with the cases were arrested.
      
     Through risk assessment, Customs officers intercepted two incoming lorries at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point and seized two batches of suspected counterfeit goods on board the lorries, including clothing, footwear, handbags, cigarettes and spirits, which exceeded 5 800 in number. Two male lorry drivers, aged 59 and 65, were arrested.
      
     After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers targeted a logistics company in Yuen Long and conducted a strike-and-search operation at the company. Over 5 600 items of suspected counterfeit goods, including football jerseys, watches and accessories, were further seized.  
      
     Initial investigation revealed that the three batches of goods would have been re-exported to overseas countries. An investigation is ongoing and the two arrested men have been released on bail pending further investigation.
      
     Customs will continue to 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 trade mark is applied 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).