Hong Kong Customs says it has smashed a syndicate supplying and selling suspected counterfeit goods in Central.
Officers conducted a “strike-and-search operation” in Central on Sunday, seizing about 9400 items of suspected counterfeit apparel valued at about $480,000.
The strike followed a tipoff 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,” Customs said in a statement.
Three men, aged between 30 and 65, were arrested. Investigations are continuing.
Hong Kong’s divisional commander (IP general investigation), Phoebe Wong, said 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.