Customs arrests Mong Kok jersey shop operator
HK01 · 6 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Customs said it arrested the 50-year-old male operator of a Mong Kok jersey retailer on October 28 over suspected unfair acceptance of payment in the sale of football shirts, shirt printing and badges. Investigators said customers who placed prepaid orders online and at the physical shop allegedly did not receive the goods by the specified date or within a reasonable time, and refunds were not arranged promptly. As of October 27, Customs said it had received 38 complaints involving about HK$67,000. The man has been released on bail while the case remains under investigation.
Key Points
- Customs said the suspected offence involved unfair acceptance of payment under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance during sales of jerseys, printing services and badges.
- The complaints concerned both online transactions and purchases linked to a physical shop in Mong Kok, according to Customs' account of the case.
- Customers allegedly paid deposits or full pre-order amounts, but the retailer failed to supply goods on time and did not promptly refund them.
- Most reports said 38 customers were involved and the disputed amount totalled about HK$67,000 as of October 27.
- HK01 reported the shop was understood to be the Mong Kok-based "21 Jersey" specialty store, though Customs did not name it publicly
Why It Matters
The case is a reminder that prepaid retail orders can expose consumers to losses when merchants fail to deliver or delay refunds, especially where sales are split between online channels and a storefront. It also underlines the legal risk for traders under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, which on.cc said carries a maximum penalty of a HK$500,000 fine and five years' imprisonment upon conviction