29th May 2025 – (Hong Kong) On 27th May, Hong Kong Customs, in collaboration with the Travel Industry Authority (TIA), carried out a joint enforcement operation targeting an unlicensed travel agent. A 62-year-old male proprietor was arrested on suspicion of providing travel services under a false trade description, violating the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO). He is also suspected of operating without a valid travel agent licence, prompting the TIA to launch further investigations.
The operation was initiated after Customs and the TIA received information indicating that the agent falsely claimed to hold a valid travel licence while offering tour services to customers.
The investigation is ongoing, and the arrested individual has been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Customs officials have urged traders to adhere to the TDO and advised consumers to seek services from reputable providers. Under the TDO, applying a false trade description to services offered constitutes an offence, punishable by a maximum fine of $500,000 and up to five years’ imprisonment.
