Hong Kong Customs officers have arrested four students after detecting three cases of fake goods being sold online.
Goods worth about $4500 were seized in a raid.
During “cyber patrols”, Customs officials said they discovered people selling suspected counterfeit products on social networking and online platforms. Customs officers mounted operations late last week, arresting three female students and one male student, aged between 14 and 21.
“A total of 24 suspected counterfeit goods, including watches and sports shoes, valued at about $4500 were seized,” Customs said in a statement. “The arrested persons were released on bail pending further investigation. Investigation is ongoing.”
It is not the first time regulatory officials have clamped down on the online retailing of fake goods. So far this year,, Customs staff have detected 128 cases of online sale of suspected counterfeit goods. The seized goods mainly include clothing, shoes, watches and smartphones.  Among the 128 cases, 53 cases involved students. These students used smartphones to sell suspected counterfeit products on social networking or other online platforms.
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.
“Customs reminds young people that sale of counterfeit goods is a serious crime and liable to criminal sanctions. Upon conviction, they will have a criminal record which adversely affects their future.”