Hong Kong Customs have seized counterfeit clothing with a street value of $2.5 million after a week-long operation.
Photographs of some of the haul show apparel carrying Champion, Tommy Hilfiger and Stussy branding, among others.
A Hong Kong Customs spokesperson said an anti-counterfeiting operation running from January 4 until yesterday was aimed at combating the sale of fake clothing and accessories. About 6400 pieces of suspected counterfeit goods, including clothing, caps, belts and backpacks, were seized.
The operation followed a tip-off about suspected counterfeit clothing and accessories being sold at retail stores in the city.
“After an in-depth investigation with the assistance of trademark owners, customs officers raided eight shops in Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, Kwai Chung and Tsuen Wan in the past week and seized … clothing and accessories,” said the spokesperson.
Five five men and four women were arrested, including five store managers and four salespeople, aged between 20 and 66.
Investigations are ongoing.
The spokesperson said that with the imminent arrival of the Lunar New Year, Customs will continue to step up inspection and enforcement to combat the sale of counterfeit goods.
“We remind traders to be cautious and prudent in merchandising since the sale of counterfeit goods is a serious crime and offenders are liable to criminal liability.”
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with a forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.