Customs Smashes A Counterfeit Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Auctioning Website

Date: 02/06/2008

Yesterday, 2 June 2008, Customs smashed an auctioning website selling counterfeit Olympic torches, amongst other items. During the operation, the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau Anti-Internet Piracy Team arrested one local female, aged 33. During the raid, 5 Beijing Olympic Torches were seized, valued at HK$2,000.

Customs conducted rapid and intensive investigation based on information received by the Department. Undercover Customs officers successfully identified the suspect and arrested the 33 year-old female during the transaction of a counterfeit torch at Lam Tin mass transit railway station.

Customs officers conducted a search of her residential apartment in Sau Mau Ping, further seizing 4 other torches bearing suspected counterfeit Beijing Olympic logo. The arrested woman has been placed on bail, pending further investigation.

The seized torches were made from two different materials. Two of the torches were made from metal, weighing 1.6 kg, and were comparatively heavier than the genuine 2008 Beijing Olympic torches by 600gms. The counterfeit torches closely resembled the genuine items, except that they could not be lighted.

The other three counterfeit torches were made of textiles and cotton materials, with colours closely resembling the real torches.

Customs has been working closely with the trademark representatives of the 2008 Beijing Olypmic Games in order to proactively deter counterfeiters. Customs has stepped up enforcement and surveillance of the market for fake goods bearing the various Olympic logos and emblems in order to stamp out infringers.

Since 2005, Hong Kong Customs has seized various counterfeit Beijing Olympic items, including key chains, watches, brooches, stickers, clothing and torches, worth approximately HK$32,000.

Customs advises the public not to purchase counterfeit items, as this will encourage the illegal trade.

Citizens should report counterfeit activities to the Customs 24-hour hotline, 2545 6182.

Any person who contravenes the Trade Descriptions Ordinance is liable to a maximum imprisonment of 5 years and a fine of HK$500,000.

Ends

Tuesday, June 3, 2008

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