Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods worth over $10 million in "Hot Shoes" operation
Hong Kong Customs conducted a two-week enforcement operation codenamed "Hot Shoes" from October 6 to 17 to combat counterfeit footwear products via cross-boundary transshipment cargo. During the operation, Customs detected nine related cases and seized about 18 000 items of suspected counterfeit goods, including footwear and clothing, with an estimated market value of over $10 million. Two persons were arrested.
Through intelligence analysis and detailed investigations, Customs detected seven related cases at various local logistics companies. More than 11 000 items of suspected counterfeit goods with a total estimated market value of over $5.6 million were seized.
Moreover, Customs detected two other related cases at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port. Based on risk assessment, Customs officers intercepted two incoming trucks on October 8 and 14, and seized about 6 700 items of suspected counterfeit goods with an estimated market value of over $4.6 million in total. Two male truck drivers, aged 59 and 65, were arrested. Investigations into the cases are ongoing. Two arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs appeals to consumers to purchase goods at reputable shops or websites to avoid buying counterfeit goods. Practitioners in the logistics industry should also comply with the requirements of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) and check with the trademark owners or authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.
Customs will continue to step up inspections and conduct intelligence-led enforcement to vigorously combat different types of counterfeit and infringing goods activities.
Under the TDO, any person who imports or exports or sells or possesses for sale any goods to which a forged trademark is applied 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 counterfeiting activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods worth over $10 million in "Hot Shoes" operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods worth over $10 million in "Hot Shoes" operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected counterfeit goods worth over $10 million in "Hot Shoes" operation Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
