Hong Kong Customs strives to combat sale of suspected illicit TV set-top boxes

Date: 05/09/2018

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (September 4) conducted an operation to combat the sale of suspected illicit TV set-top boxes and seized a total of 131 suspected illicit TV set-top boxes with an estimated market value of about $100,000. Four persons were also arrested.

Customs has kept on conducting patrols against infringing activities in various districts in Hong Kong and found some shops selling suspected illicit TV set-top boxes which could be used to watch pay TV programmes for free by means of bypassing copyright protection measures adopted by pay TV programme copyright owners.

After in-depth investigation with the assistance of copyright owners, Customs yesterday conducted an operation and raided three shops in Tsuen Wan where the suspected illicit TV set-top boxes were seized.

During the operation, Customs officers also arrested two men and two women, aged between 20 and 66. Two of them are shop owners while the other two are salespersons.

Investigation is ongoing. The arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.

Customs reminds traders that according to the Copyright Ordinance, a person commits an offence if the person sells or lets for hire a relevant device or provides relevant service for the purpose of a circumvention business. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for four years. Customs also reminds members of the public to watch pay TV programmes through legitimate means.

Customs will continue to step up street and Internet patrols to curb any form of infringing activity.

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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