25th September 2023 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong Customs made a significant seizure of approximately 3,300 suspected counterfeit goods with an estimated market value of about HK$2.1 million at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point. The operation, conducted on September 9, resulted in the interception of an incoming truck and the subsequent arrest of a 48-year-old male driver.
Customs officers, utilising risk assessment techniques, identified the truck as a potential carrier of illicit goods. Upon inspection, a large quantity of suspected counterfeit items, including footwear, clothing, and mobile phones, was discovered inside the cargo compartment of the vehicle. The thorough examination of the seized goods revealed their intended destination to be overseas regions via the airfreight channel.
The arrested driver is currently under investigation, and he has been released on bail pending further inquiries. Hong Kong Customs remains committed to conducting a thorough investigation into this case, working in collaboration with law enforcement agencies both within mainland China and overseas.
The trade-in counterfeit goods poses a significant threat to intellectual property rights and the economy at large. Hong Kong Customs is determined to combat such illegal activities and will continue to strengthen cooperation with relevant authorities to crack down on cross-boundary counterfeit goods operations.
Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, individuals involved in the import or export of goods bearing forged trademarks can be prosecuted for committing an offence. Upon conviction, offenders may face a maximum penalty of a fine up to $500,000 and imprisonment for a period of up to five years.