Hong Kong Customs today (May 26) arrested a female general manager of an airline suspected to have applied a false trade description in the course of selling an air ticket on the airline's website, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

     Customs earlier received information alleging that a consumer purchased a return air ticket between Hong Kong and Ningbo on the airline's website and completed the payment procedure after the reservation had been confirmed. During the check-in process on the day of departure, the consumer was denied carriage because of non-existence of the relevant air ticket payment record. After investigation, Customs officers today arrested a 45-year-old woman. Investigation is ongoing and the arrested person has been released on bail pending further investigation.

     Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure services at reputable shops.

     Under the TDO, any trader who applies a false trade description to a service supplied to a consumer commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the TDO to the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.

Ends/Friday, May 26, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:52

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