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Hong Kong Customs and the Police conducted a joint operation to crack down on sales of counterfeit products last night (October 16). In the operation, Customs and the Police successfully smashed a syndicate suspected of selling counterfeit goods by operating an upstairs showroom in Mong Kok.
In the operation, about 1 200 suspected counterfeit products valued at about $500,000, including leather goods, watches, apparel products, sunglasses and accessories were seized. Customs believed that the suspected counterfeit goods seized were mainly offered for sale to tourists. A 23-year-old man, who was suspected to be the keeper of the showroom, was arrested and will be charged with one count of possession for sale goods with forged trademarks. He will appear before Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts on October 19.
Customs has so far this year smashed seven upstairs showrooms suspected of selling counterfeit products. Customs emphasised that stringent enforcement actions will continue be taken along with the Police to combat counterfeit activities. Customs also appealed to members of the public to shop at retail stores with a good reputation.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with any forged trademark commits an offence. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $500,000 and imprisonment of five years.
Anyone with information relating to the sale of suspected counterfeit goods may call Customs via the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Saturday, October 17, 2015
Issued at HKT 22:12
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