Hong Kong Customs today (March 2) arrested a male kayak instructor suspected of having applied false trade descriptions to the kayak training course supplied, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

     Customs earlier received information alleging that a male kayak instructor had made a false claim that a trainee would be awarded a recognised certificate issued by the relevant organisation upon completion of the kayak training course taught by him, which was contrary to the fact.

     After investigation, Customs officers today arrested a 38-year-old man.

     Investigation is ongoing and the arrested man 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 Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).

Ends/Tuesday, March 2, 2021
Issued at HKT 22:45

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