Customs Neutralizes a Syndicate of Counterfeit Mobile Phone Batteries and Accessories

Date: 23/07/2007

After in-depth investigation, Customs conducted a two-day operation against a syndicate of counterfeit mobile phone batteries on 23 and 24 July. Customs deployed 30 officers in raids across Kowloon and the New Territories. As a result, Customs successfully neutralized the syndicate. Investigation is still underway.

Customs conducted a raid on a retail shop in Sheung Shui on 23 July. A total of 400 pieces of counterfeit mobile phone batteries and accessories were uncovered. The value of the seizures was estimated to be $30,000. Two men were arrested, including the proprietor of the shop. On 24 July, according to clues found at the premises in Sheung Shui, Customs traced out a wholesaler and storage in Mong Kok and arrested two men, who were the directors and masterminds of the syndicate. Within the storage in Mong Kok, 1,600 pieces of counterfeit goods were found, estimated to be worth $40,000. Customs officers further uncovered a packaging center in an industrial building in Kwun Tong, where large amounts of plastic and packaging materials, together with packaging machinery were found. Within the premises, 2,600 pieces of counterfeit goods were seized, worth around $60,000. The total value of the seizures amounted to $130,000.

In summary, Customs officers seized around 4,600 pieces of counterfeit mobile phone batteries and accessories, estimated to be worth $130,000. Four men were arrested, aged 22 to 58. The men have been released on bail pending further investigation.

Acting on information received earlier on from the public alleging a retail shop in Sheung Shui of selling counterfeit mobile phone batteries, Customs officers took immediate investigation action. As a result a syndicate supplying counterfeit items to the retail shop was uncovered. It is believed that the counterfeits were sourced from the South East Asian region and distributed locally via retail outlets. After securing concrete evidence against the offenders, Customs successfully planned the crack down on the syndicate of counterfeit mobile phone batteries.

Customs advises citizens to buy genuine products, since the quality of counterfeit mobile phone batteries and accessories, is not assured, short-circuiting and fire risks could easily ensue. The legal responsibility and warranty for counterfeit products is also dubious.

Customs is dedicated to combating trademark-infringing activities. Customs takes this opportunity to remind retail operators to ensure that the goods they offer for sale are genuine. Retailers should pay particular attention to products offered at markedly lower prices, to note the source of the products and to check with the licensed representative of the trademark owner.

Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, any person who sells any goods to which any forged trade mark or any mark so nearly resembling the trade mark is applied, is liable to a maximum of 5 years imprisonment and a fine of $500,000.

Members of the public are encouraged to report criminal trademark infringing activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline, 2545 6182.

Ends/Wednesday, July 25, 2007
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