HONG KONG: Hong Kong Customs today (June 1) arrested a female proprietor of an education centre suspected of having applied a false trade description to the service supplied, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
Customs earlier received information alleging that an education centre was unable to provide a study tour to Korea for customers, which was claimed to be jointly organised with a travel agent, after receiving payments from the customers. After investigation, it was found that the travel agent had not co-organised the tour with the education centre. Customs officers today arrested a 31-year-old woman. Investigation is ongoing and the arrested person 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 customer 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 the Customs 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.
