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Hong Kong Customs conducted a strike-and-search operation in Central yesterday (January 10) and smashed a syndicate suspected of supplying and selling counterfeit goods with the seizure of about 9 400 items of suspected counterfeit apparel valued at about $480,000.
Customs earlier received information regarding a syndicate active in counterfeiting activities in Central. Upon investigation, Customs cracked down on a storehouse keeping suspected counterfeit goods and raided a mobile hawker stall operated by the syndicate in Central yesterday. A total of about 9 400 items of suspected counterfeit apparel valued at about $480,000 were seized. Three men, aged between 30 and 65, were arrested. The case is still under investigation.
The Divisional Commander (Intellectual Property General Investigation), Ms Phoebe Wong, today (January 11) said that Customs will continue to take stringent enforcement actions against counterfeiting activities and step up patrolling and enforcement actions during the Lunar New Year period. She appealed to members of the public to purchase at shops with good reputations, and reminded traders that selling counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, it is an offence to sell or possess for sale any goods with any forged trademark. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to a maximum punishment of imprisonment for five years and a fine of $500,000.
Anyone with information relating to suspected counterfeiting activities may call Customs via the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Ends/Monday, January 11, 2016
Issued at HKT 15:07
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