Three arrests in Hong Kong crackdown on fake electronics

Hong Kong Customs have arrested three men as a result of a two-week enforcement operation to combat counterfeit electronic goods involving shipments from mainland China that passed through Hong Kong en route to other markets.

Officers detected 19 related cases and seized more than 14,800 items of suspected counterfeit electronic goods, including earphones, mobile phones, computer tablets, and electronic watches, with an estimated market value of over HK$10m ($1.3m).

The haul, which included knock-offs of big brands including Apple and Samsung, was intended to be shipped to countries in Europe, the US, and other Asian markets including Indiana and Bangladesh, according to a South China Morning Post report on the operation.

HK Customs said that through risk management and intelligence analysis, it detected 15 related cases at various express couriers and local logistics companies. More than 9,900 items of suspected counterfeit electronic goods with a total estimated market value of over HK$4.7m were seized in this part of the operation. 

It also detected a total of four related cases at the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal and the Shenzhen Bay Control Point. Customs officers intercepted one container and three incoming trucks earlier this month and seized about 4,900 items of suspected counterfeit electronic goods with an estimated market value of over HK$5.9m.

The three men who were arrested were the truck drivers, who have been released on bail pending further investigation.

Under Hong Kong’s Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO), any person who imports, exports, sells, or possesses for sale any goods to which a forged trademark is applied commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of HK$500,000 and imprisonment for five years.