In a territory-wide raid of 14 shops, Hong Kong Customs yesterday seized about 145,000 suspected pirated optical discs (PODs) with a market value of about HK$2.9 million (US$373,000).

Sixteen men between 26 and 79 years old were arrested during the sting, which included 11 shops on Temple Street, known for its night market. The seized PODs were mainly popular movies and drama series.

The investigation is ongoing, with Customs divisional commander for transnational intellectual property investigation Li Kin-kei saying strategic patrols will be strengthened at hot shopping spots.

Under the Copyright Ordinance, any person seeking to sell an infringing copy of a copyright work commits an offence, with a maximum penalty upon conviction of a $50,000 fine and imprisonment for four years.

Customs has a 24-hour hotline for members of the public to report suspected infringements.