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Customs officers yesterday (May 29) afternoon raided a counterfeit goods display room, which was camouflaged as a tailor's in a shopping arcade in Tsim Sha Tsui.
They seized from the shop 350 counterfeit items, worth about $200,000, including garments, watches and leather goods. The counterfeit goods, which resembled the genuine goods, were being sold at a high price.
During the operation, a 58-year-old man was arrested. He is on bail pending further investigation.
Acting on a public complaint that tourists were handed leaflets in the streets in Tsim Sha Tsui and touted to a tailor's, Customs officers conducted an investigation. They mounted an operation yesterday with a Customs officer posing as a customer when visiting the target shop.
To evade investigation, the shop was camouflaged as a tailor's. Dummies and tailor's tools were placed near the shop entrance while the counterfeit goods display room was set up in a concealed room in the rear of the premises. A digital lock was also installed to restrict access to the shop and shop windows were covered with reflective paper.
The public is encouraged to report any suspected counterfeiting activities to Hong Kong Customs by calling the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
Anyone who contravenes the Trade Descriptions Ordinance is liable to prosecution. The maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Ends/Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:43
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