Hong Kong Customs mounted a special enforcement operation yesterday (March 19) in Tuen Mun to combat the sale of counterfeit computer storage devices by a computer storage device distributor, and seized about 17 000 items of suspected counterfeit computer storage devices, including about 14 000 pieces of hard disks and about 3 000 pieces of memory cards, with a total estimated market value of about $25 million. One person was arrested.

     Customs earlier received information from the trademark owner representative, alleging that a computer storage device distributor was offering counterfeit computer storage devices for sale in the market. After a comprehensive investigation and with the assistance of the trademark owner, Customs officers took enforcement action yesterday and searched an industrial unit in Tuen Mun. Upon a follow-up investigation, another industrial unit in the same building was searched. A 42-year-old man was arrested and the batch of suspected counterfeit computer storage devices, and materials and tools for packing were seized.

     The arrested person has been detained for investigation. The investigation is ongoing and 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 check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt. Traders should also be cautious and prudent in merchandising since selling 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, March 20, 2026
Issued at HKT 21:24

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