HONG KONG – Hong Kong customs officials seized nearly $920,000 worth of suspected counterfeit perfumes and cosmetics and arrested two people in a special operation targeting sales of bogus goods on social media platforms.
Customs said Tuesday that officers had carried out cyber patrols and data analytics before raiding an industrial unit and residential premises on May 7. They confiscated about 1,900 items believed to be counterfeit versions of branded products.
A 23-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman were arrested during the raids in Cheung Sha Wan and Yuen Long. Officials said more arrests are possible as the investigation continues into the source of the seized goods, which will undergo safety testing.
The operation highlights a rising problem of counterfeit products being marketed and sold through online channels like social media shops, evading regulatory oversight.
“Customs reminds consumers to purchase goods at reputable shops or online shops and to avoid conducting transactions with suspicious traders,” the agency said in a statement.
Under Hong Kong’s Trade Descriptions Ordinance, selling any goods with forged trademarks is punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment and a $500,000 Hong Kong dollar ($64,000) fine.
The customs department has made combating counterfeit sales a priority, using technology like big data analysis to identify potential violations amid the rise of e-commerce.
