Customs arrests seven in fake goods street-stall raids
HK01 · 4 SOURCES1 day ago4 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong Customs said it arrested seven people after special operations in Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok targeting the sale of suspected counterfeit goods. Officers seized about 3,100 suspected fake items with an estimated market value of around HK$1 million, including handbags, watches, clothing and toys such as Labubu figures.
Key Points
- The operations were carried out on September 3 and September 8 at 17 fixed hawker stalls, with nine in Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, and eight in Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok.
- Customs arrested seven stall operators, one man and six women aged 34 to 65, on suspicion of breaching the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, and said more arrests were possible.
- Customs investigator Lo Ming-ho (盧銘濠) said some suspected counterfeit goods were sold for as little as one-quarter of normal retail prices, with individual items priced at a few hundred Hong Kong dollars.
- Seized goods included suspected fake Labubu toys, handbags bearing brands such as Chanel, Coach, YSL and Dior, and watches including Rolex-branded pieces shown by Customs.
- Customs said genuine Labubu products typically have sharp box printing, nine evenly arranged teeth, careful finishing and a valid official anti-counterfeit code, while fake versions often fail on those checks.
Why It Matters
With the mainland National Day Golden Week approaching, Customs said it would step up inspections and enforcement at tourist hotspots to protect local shoppers and visitors. Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, selling or possessing counterfeit goods for sale is an offence punishable on conviction by a fine of up to HK$500,000 and imprisonment for up to five years.