HONG KONG: A counterfeit syndicate that preyed on tourists from Europe and the US at the city’s Ladies Market has been broken up by Hong Kong customs following the arrest of 10 people and seizure of HK$10 million worth of fake products.
This was the third operation by the Customs and Excise Department on Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok this year, but it involved the largest syndicate of the three. In their previous two operations in January and August, officers nabbed 12 people and seized HK$7.5 million worth of fake goods. Three arrested in Hong Kong customs raid of counterfeit goods operation in Mong Kok’s Ladies’ Market
After those busts, the syndicate that was nabbed on Thursday selected potential customers more carefully to avoid detection, according to Guy Fong Wing-kai of Customs’ Intellectual Property Investigation (Operations) Group.
“The gang only served tourists from Europe and America,” he said. “They did not approach locals or Asian tourists in case they were undercover customs officers.”
The syndicate sold their goods at five to 20 per cent of the genuine products’ price, he said, adding that he believed consumers were aware the goods were fakes.
Customs officers began investigating the racket after noticing counterfeiting activities along the popular shopping thoroughfare about a month ago. An investigation revealed the syndicate sold counterfeit goods at four hawker stalls in the market and used computer tablets to show clients photos of the products.
“Some clients were taken to its upstairs showroom nearby, which was packed with about 600 counterfeit products,” Fong said, adding that four nearby flats were used as warehouses.
