Hong Kong Customs Smashes Suspected Counterfeit Sportswear Syndicate
07 July 2014
On July 3, 2014, the Customs Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau in Hong Kong mounted a special operation and raided a number of retail shops and warehouses, leading to a crackdown on a syndicate selling suspected counterfeit sportswear. Customs Officers seized a total of 1,905 pairs of suspected counterfeit sports shoes and 104 pieces of suspected counterfeit clothing, with a total value of about HK$1.67 million (US$216,000). Five women and two men, aged between 16 and 32, were arrested. One of the arrested persons was believed to be the head of the syndicate.
Customs earlier received a complaint about the sale of suspected counterfeit sports shoes in the Mong Kok district. After investigation, Customs officers raided three shops in a shopping mall in Mong Kok and a shop in Causeway Bay and seized 781 pairs of suspected counterfeit sports shoes and 104 pieces of suspected counterfeit clothing. Six salespersons and the suspected head of the syndicate were arrested. The officers later raided another two warehouses in two commercial buildings in Mong Kok and seized 1,124 pairs of suspected counterfeit sports shoes.
It was believed that a syndicate selling suspected counterfeit sportswear was smashed. Investigation is ongoing. In the operation, it was found that the retail shops sold the suspected counterfeits as the genuine goods in order to gain higher profits.
Customs reminds young people to be vigilant when applying for summer jobs and to avoid getting involved in illicit activities. Consumers are advised to purchase goods from reputable shops or franchised shops to avoid buying counterfeit products.
According to the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, anyone who sells or possesses for sale any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offence. Upon conviction, offenders may be liable to a maximum fine of HK$500,000 (US$64,500) and imprisonment of five years.
