HONG KONG: Hong Kong Customs conducted an anti-piracy operation in Wan Chai here the other day and successfully raided four shops suspected of selling pirated optical discs. More than 30 000 suspected pirated optical discs worth about $700,000 were seized. Three men, aged between 31 and 50, were arrested.
They were released on bail pending further investigation.
The seized discs were mainly Japanese cartoon TV series and movies. Mainland and Hong Kong TV dramas and movies were also found.
Under the Copyright Ordinance, any person possesses an infringing copy of a copyright work with a view to selling it is liable to the maximum penalty of imprisonment for four years and a fine of $50,000 per infringing copy.
Customs appeals to members of the public to respect intellectual property rights. Anyone who comes across any suspected piracy activities is encouraged to make a report to Customs by calling the 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
