Joint operation seizes counterfeit items worth HKD17 million

Customs officers have made two arrests and seized about 56,000 counterfeit items worth HKD17 million during a three-week joint operation in Hong Kong, Macau and China.

The seized goods included counterfeit watches from renowned luxury brands such as Rolex, Cartier, and Patek Philippe.

This operation, conducted between April 9 and April 30, marked the first collaborative effort of 2024 between customs authorities from the three regions.

Hong Kong customs, through intelligence analysis and thorough investigations, identified 15 cases involving local express couriers and logistics companies.

In addition, two containers arriving from Nansha, Guangdong, at the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal Customs Cargo Examination Compound on April 15 and April 16 were found to contain counterfeit goods.

Customs officers detected two more cases and intercepted two incoming trucks at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point on April 12 and April 28, resulting in the seizure of batches of counterfeit goods.

Subsequently, two male truck drivers, aged 49 and 55, were arrested. They have been released on bail pending further investigation. Customs authorities have stated that ongoing investigations may lead to additional arrests.

The counterfeit goods confiscated during the operation included luxury handbags, smartphones and accessories, luxury watches, and sneakers, with an estimated market value of approximately HKD16.9 million.

To enhance their profits, criminals used high-quality chests for the counterfeit luxury watches, along with forged certificates, warranty cards and user manuals.

Customs authorities have issued a warning about the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, stating that importing or exporting goods bearing forged trademarks is an offense. Upon conviction, individuals may face a maximum penalty of a HKD500,000 fine and five years’ imprisonment. Staff Reporter