Hong Kong Customs detects suspected infringing case involving unauthorised communication of copyright works to public (with photo)

******************************************************************************************

     Hong Kong Customs mounted an enforcement operation yesterday (July 3) to combat activities involving the suspected unauthorised communication of copyright works to the public. A total of two suspected illicit streaming devices with an estimated market value of about $1,300 were seized during the operation.

     Customs earlier received information from a copyright owner alleging that an online shop was offering illicit streaming devices to customers, including television set-top boxes and designated applications for viewing infringing copyright contents, which were suspected of communicating copyright works to the public without authorisation.

     After an in-depth investigation and with the assistance of the copyright owner, Customs officers arrested a 39-year-old local man in Kwun Tong district and seized the batch of suspected illicit streaming devices.

     An investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.

     Customs reminds members of the public not to participate in activities involving the unauthorised communication of copyright works to the public. Members of the public should also respect intellectual property rights and refrain from purchasing illicit streaming devices. They are advised to be vigilant against cybersecurity risks arising from the use of such devices and designated applications.

     Under the Copyright Ordinance, any person who, without the authorisation of the copyright owner, communicates a copyright work to the public for the purpose of or in the course of any trade or business that consists of communicating works to the public for profit or reward; or communicates the work to the public to such an extent as to affect prejudicially the copyright owner, commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is imprisonment for four years and a fine of $50,000 in respect of each copyright work.

     Members of the public may report any suspected infringing 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/Saturday, July 4, 2026
Issued at HKT 15:00

NNNN

Archives Yesterday's Press Releases

Back to Index Page

Today's Press Releases

Photo

Hong Kong Customs mounted an enforcement operation yesterday (July 3) to combat activities involving the suspected unauthorised communication of copyright works to the public. A total of two suspected illicit streaming devices with an estimated market value of about $1,300 were seized during the operation. Photo shows the suspected illicit streaming devices seized.