​Hong Kong Customs conducted an enforcement operation on May 13 and 15 to combat the sale of counterfeit goods in Kwun Tong and Sham Shui Po, and seized a total of about 3 300 suspected counterfeit mobile phones and accessories with a total estimated market value of about $4.25 million. Nine persons were arrested.

     Customs earlier received information alleging that suspected counterfeit mobile phones and accessories were on sale in shops. After detailed investigations and with the assistance of trademark owners, Customs officers on May 13 raided three wholesale companies located in the Kwun Tong Industrial Area and seized about 3 250 suspected counterfeit mobile phones and accessories with an estimated market value of about $4.25 million. On May 15, Customs officers raided three retail shops in Sham Shui Po and further seized about 50 suspected counterfeit mobile phone accessories with an estimated market value of $5,000.

     During the operation, Customs arrested seven men and two women, aged between 23 and 46, including three directors, a shop owner and five salespersons. They have been released on bail pending further investigation. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.

     Customs will continue to step up inspections and enforcement to vigorously combat the sale of different kinds of counterfeit goods.

     Customs reminds consumers to procure goods at reputable shops and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt. Traders should also be cautious in merchandising since the sale of counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal sanctions.

     Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who 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 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Ends/Friday, May 16, 2025
Issued at HKT 17:35

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