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Customs officers have shut down two upstairs showrooms in Tsim Sha Tsui, suspected of selling counterfeit handbags and watches to Japanese tourists.
In an operation code-named "Skyhawk", the officers raided two upstairs showrooms and a trading firm in Tsim Sha Tsui. The showrooms targeted tour groups from Japan.
Customs officers seized 2,300 counterfeit items, including leather goods and watches, worth $1.2 million.
Six men and one woman, aged between 34 and 50, were arrested. Among them were a 43-year-old male shop owner and two local licensed tourist guides - a 44-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman.
Customs officers yesterday (October 10) seized from an upstairs showroom in a shopping mall office building 1,400 counterfeit handbags and 200 watches, worth $1 million.
In a subsequent raid against a trading firm, the officers seized a batch of documents and computers for forensic examination.
This morning (October 11) Customs officers seized from a showroom in the same commercial building 600 counterfeit leather items and 100 watches, valued at $200,000.
Noting that tourist guides were allegedly involved in counterfeiting activities, the Divisional Commander (Trade Descriptions Investigation), Mr Chiu Yuk-hung, said it was believed to be an isolated case.
"Hong Kong Customs will continue to work closely with Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong (TIC), bringing unscrupulous people in the trade to justice," he said.
To enhance understanding of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance in the tourism industry, Hong Kong Customs and TIC have held seminars for industry players, reminding them not to engage in counterfeiting activities.
During travel peak season, Hong Kong Customs will step up spot checks to guard against counterfeiting activities. Undercover operations will be mounted when necessary.
Mr Chiu appealed to tourists not to buy counterfeit goods. In tourist pamphlets distributed by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong Customs has included smart tips for tourists to watch out for street touting of counterfeit goods.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, the maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and an imprisonment for five years.
Report of suspected counterfeiting activities can be made to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Thursday, October 11, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:45
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