HONG KONG: Hong Kong Customs today (January 23) arrested a male staff member of a travel agent suspected of engaging in unfair trade practices involving misleading omission by charging members of a group tour excessive fuel surcharge, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).
Customs earlier received information alleging that a travel agent was suspected of hiding information about the reduced fuel surcharge and additionally charged each of the 10 members of a group tour about $2,500. After investigation, Customs officers today arrested a 54-year-old man. Investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation. Customs reminded traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure services at reputable shops.
Under the TDO, any trader who engages in a commercial practice that omits or hides material information and as a result causes, or is likely to cause, an average consumer to make a transactional decision 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.
