Hong Kong Customs detects largest online sale of counterfeit goods case on record
Hong Kong Customs on September 9 detected the largest online sale of counterfeit goods case on record, seizing about 9 200 suspected counterfeit items, including health products, leather goods, skincare products, watches, and medicines containing suspected Part 1 poison, with an estimated market value of about $15 million.
Customs earlier received information from members of the public and trademark owners, alleging the sale of suspected counterfeit health products through links on social media. After a comprehensive investigation, Customs officers took enforcement action on September 9 and searched three industrial units in Yuen Long, including two logistics company storages and one express logistics company operation centre. About 7 500 suspected counterfeit items were seized, and four men and three women, aged between 24 and 57, were arrested.
After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers on September 12 further seized 1 700 suspected counterfeit items from the transit hub of the express logistics company.
The investigation is ongoing. All arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation, and further arrests are not ruled out.
The suspected counterfeit health products seized in the operation have been sent to the Government Laboratory for safety testing.
Customs reminds consumers to purchase goods at reputable shops or online shops and to avoid conducting transactions with suspicious traders. They should check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale or for any purpose of trade any goods with a forged trademark 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 detects largest online sale of counterfeit goods case on record Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong Customs detects largest online sale of counterfeit goods case on record Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO Berlin Promoted Hong Kong’s I&T Strengths in Slovakia
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Berlin (HKETO Berlin), together with a delegation from Hong Kong in the innovation and technology (I&T) sector, participated in the SlovakiaTech Forum held in Košice, Slovakia, on September 17 (Košice time) to promote Hong Kong’s I&T strengths.
The Director of HKETO Berlin, Mr Indiana Wong, joined a panel discussion at SlovakiaTech Forum, showcasing the achievements of Hong Kong in innovation capabilities, which were made possible through co-operation between the public and the private sectors. Moderated by the Honorary Consulate of Slovakia in Hong Kong, Mr Willy Lin, the panel also featured the Deputy Prime Minister of Slovakia, Mr Peter Kmec, as well as representatives from the Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute, the Hong Kong Productivity Council, and the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation.
During the discussion, Mr Wong emphasized the critical role of collaboration among the government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors in driving I&T development. “Hong Kong is the only city in the world housing five of the world’s top 100 universities. We have leveraged our strong academic capabilities and efficient market to implement industry-oriented and business-friendly measures that promote I&T development. We are committed to fostering international co-operation to bring new impetus to our I&T ecosystem and further advance related industries.”
On the same day, Mr Wong delivered a presentation at the Hong Kong Innovation Forum held at the Technical University of Košice. Other Hong Kong delegates also shared insights with participants from Slovak enterprises, start-ups, tertiary institutions, and research institutes into developing I&T ecosystems, and highlighted key initiatives supporting entrepreneurs and talents in transforming innovative ideas into successful businesses.
During the visit, HKETO Berlin and the delegation also engaged in meetings with government officials and research institutes in Bratislava and Košice on September 16 to 18. These discussions aimed to strengthen and explore further I&T collaboration opportunities between the two places.
About HKETO Berlin
HKETO Berlin is the official representative of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in commercial relations and other economic and trade matters in Slovakia as well as Austria, Czechia, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Switzerland.
HKETO Berlin Promoted Hong Kong’s I&T Strengths in Slovakia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO Berlin Promoted Hong Kong’s I&T Strengths in Slovakia Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
