Hong Kong Customs combats sale of suspected counterfeit goods online

Date: 26/04/2018

Hong Kong Customs conducted an operation codenamed "Eagle Web" yesterday (April 25) to combat the sale of suspected counterfeit goods online. During the operation, five shops making use of Internet platforms in promoting business were raided and 826 pieces of suspected counterfeit clothes, slippers, bags and watches were seized with an estimated market value of about $160,000. Six persons were also arrested.

Through the use of a big data analytics system to detect and analyse online infringing activities, Customs found shops selling suspected counterfeit goods using not only the traditional retail mode, but also making use of "cross platform, multiple accounts" on popular Internet platforms for promotion and sales, as well as providing face-to-face transaction and delivery. In addition, some shops mixed counterfeit goods with authentic ones for sale.

After an in-depth investigation with the assistance of trademark owners, Customs took enforcement action yesterday and raided five shops in Kowloon City, Lai Chi Kok, Sham Shui Po, Tuen Mun and Tin Shui Wai where the batch of suspected counterfeit goods was seized.
During the operation, two men and four women, aged 33 to 43, were arrested. Among them, four are shop owners and two are salespersons.

Investigations are going.

With the Labour Day Golden Week approaching, Customs will step up online and market inspections in order to curb the sale of counterfeit goods.

Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods with forged trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Members of the public may report any suspected infringing activities to the Customs-24-hour hotline 2545 6182, or dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

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