Customs arrests man over HK$3.6 million laundering probe
HK01 · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Customs said on September 29 it arrested a local man under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance on suspicion of dealing with property known or believed to represent proceeds of an indictable offence, in a follow-up investigation tied to an online counterfeit perfume and skincare case. The case involves about HK$3.6 million in suspected criminal proceeds, and officers also searched the man's home and seized a batch of suspected case-related items.
Key Points
- Customs said the suspect is a 37-year-old local man who had already been arrested in a counterfeit goods case uncovered in May this year.
- The earlier operation on May 26 targeted an online shop and social media accounts, leading officers to a warehouse in a San Po Kong industrial building
- In that May raid, Customs seized 2,500 suspected counterfeit perfume and skincare products with an estimated total value of about HK$1.5 million
- After the infringement case, officers launched a financial investigation and fund-flow analysis, covering the period from February 2024 to May 2026
- Customs alleged the man ran the infringing business and used other people's bank accounts to receive about HK$3.6 million in suspected crime proceeds
Why It Matters
The suspect has been released on bail pending further investigation, and Customs said the inquiry is continuing and more arrests are not being ruled out. Under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance, a conviction can carry a maximum fine of HK$5 million and 14 years' imprisonment, while related criminal proceeds may also be confiscated.