Hong Kong Customs Seize $80 Million Worth of Suspected Smuggled Goods from Ocean-Going Vessels, Investigations Underway, Arrests Possible

Hong Kong Customs detects two smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels

​Hong Kong Customs detected two suspected smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels in July. A large batch of suspected smuggled goods with a total estimated market value of about $80 million was seized.

Through intelligence analysis and risk assessment, Customs discovered that criminals intended to use ocean-going vessels to smuggle goods. Strategies were thus formulated, with two suspicious containers scheduled to depart from Hong Kong to the United States and one suspicious container scheduled to depart from Hong Kong to Korea selected for inspection on July 9 and 11 respectively.

Upon examination, Customs officers found a large batch of suspected smuggled goods, including refrigerants, perfumes and lighters, in the two containers destined for the United States. The two containers were declared as carrying "mat, bottle" and "storage bag, bottle" respectively. Also, a large batch of suspected smuggled electronic products, including touch screens, oximeters and electronic parts, was seized in the container departing for Korea declared as carrying "plastic gloves and other rubbers".

Investigations are ongoing. The likelihood of arrests is not ruled out.

Being a government department primarily responsible for tackling smuggling activities, Customs has long been combating various smuggling activities at the front line. Customs will keep up its enforcement action and continue to fiercely combat sea smuggling activities through proactive risk management and intelligence-based enforcement strategies, with targeted anti-smuggling operations carried out at suitable times to disrupt these activities.

Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years upon conviction.

Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs detects two smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two smuggling cases involving ocean-going vessels Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs arrests financial manager and administrative manager of beauty company

Hong Kong Customs conducted an enforcement operation today (August 19) to combat unfair trade practices by beauty companies. An investigation was launched into a retailer suspected of engaging in aggressive commercial practices when selling skincare products and beauty devices. During the operation, a financial manager and an administrative manager of the company involved were arrested for suspected violations of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (the Ordinance). The investigation is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.

Hong Kong Customs, Photo source: reference image

Customs once again appeals to customers who suspect they have been subjected to such unfair trade practices to contact Customs as soon as possible.

Customs reminds traders that they must comply with the requirements of the Ordinance, and advises consumers to patronize reputable merchants. Consumers should remain calm before purchasing services or products. If they do not fully understand the product details and prices, or do not wish to make a purchase, they should firmly refuse to sign any sales documents or make any payments.

The beauty company implicated in the case, Photo source: threads image

Under the Ordinance, any trader who uses harassment, coercion, or undue influence to restrict or impair a consumer's freedom of choice or conduct, thereby causing the consumer to make a transactional decision, commits the offense of aggressive commercial practices. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Customs has always attached great importance to consumer rights protection and has zero tolerance for unfair trade practices, pledging to continue its stringent enforcement action against unscrupulous traders.

Members of the public who encounter unfair trade practices or suspect a trader has violated the Ordinance should report it as soon as possible by calling the Customs' 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, or via the crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or the online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

The beauty company implicated in the case, Photo source: threads image