Hong Kong Customs detects largest online sale of counterfeit goods case on record (with photos)
******************************************************************************************
Customs earlier received information from members of the public and trademark owners, alleging the sale of suspected counterfeit health products through links on social media. After a comprehensive investigation, Customs officers took enforcement action on September 9 and searched three industrial units in Yuen Long, including two logistics company storages and one express logistics company operation centre. About 7 500 suspected counterfeit items were seized, and four men and three women, aged between 24 and 57, were arrested.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers on September 12 further seized 1 700 suspected counterfeit items from the transit hub of the express logistics company.
The investigation is ongoing. All arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation, and further arrests are not ruled out.
The suspected counterfeit health products seized in the operation have been sent to the Government Laboratory for safety testing.
Customs reminds consumers to purchase goods at reputable shops or online shops and to avoid conducting transactions with suspicious traders. They should check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale or for any purpose of trade 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, September 19, 2025
Issued at HKT 14:30
Issued at HKT 14:30
NNNN
Photo
