A fake mooncake operation in Yuen Long has been foiled by Hong Kong Customs.

The operation was found to involve around 340 boxes of likely knockoff mooncakes and about 200 vouchers for redeeming the cakes with allegedly forged trade descriptions. The counterfeit produce is thought to be valued at the equivalent of around US$11,600.

The investigation emerged from a tip-off concerning a restaurant thought to be trading in the fake cakes and unredeemable vouchers. Customs seized around 170 boxes of the mooncakes in question from the site as well as the vouchers, and arrested three people in connection with the operation. The investigation further led customs to a storhouse where more boxes of mooncakes were discovered and another individual, thought to have masterminded the scheme, was also arrested.

Customs is continuing to monitor goods traded in connection with the Mid-Autumn Festival and advises customers to stick with reputable retailers.

Traders of counterfeit products in Hong Kong can face up to five years in prison and fines of up to $64,500.