Hong Kong Customs officers have arrested three students for allegedly selling counterfeit goods via social media sites.
While only about $1000 worth of goods were subsequently seized, the arrests reflect what now appears to be a zero tolerance policy against trading in counterfeit goods. Facebook has become an increasingly popular trading platform for counterfeit or fake it ems throughout Asia; students, housewives – practically anyone – can open a ‘virtual shop’ sharing pictures with groups and via friend networks sometimes running into the thousands.  
A Hong Kong Customs spokesman said the activities of the three were detected during “cyber patrols” on social networking websites, although they did not specifically name Facebook. Line and WeChat are also being used.
The three students were aged from 15 to 17. Two were female. They appeared to be unconnected.
The modest haul of counterfeit goods included 10 pairs of sports socks and 16 phone cases. Investigations are continuing.

 
So far this year, Customs officers have detected 24 cases of online sale of suspected counterfeit goods, mainly involving mobile phone accessories, electronic products, clothes and leather goods. Ten of these cases involved students, seven aged under 18. They all used smartphones to conduct their business.
The Customs spokesperson appealed to members of the public, especially young people, to respect intellectual property rights and not to purchase or sell counterfeit goods.
“They should not engage in illegal activities for the sake of making quick money or they might ruin their future. Selling counterfeit goods is a serious crime with criminal liability. Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with any forged trademark commits an offence. Upon conviction, offenders are liable to imprisonment of five years and a maximum fine of $500,000.”