Customs takes action against travel agency for unfair practices, arresting two

In a recent crackdown on unfair trade practices, Hong Kong Customs detained a male director and a female employee of a travel agency on Thursday. They are suspected of using false trade descriptions in their air ticket pre-order services, a violation of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

The arrests were made following public complaints. Customers reported that after ordering air tickets through the agency, they were later informed that the tickets were unavailable. 

A female employee then suggested they purchase the tickets independently, promising reimbursement from the agency. 

Unfortunately, the complainants were unable to obtain refunds, with the total unrecovered costs amounting to approximately HK$250,000.

Customs officers launched an investigation and subsequently carried out an enforcement operation, resulting in the arrest of a 75-year-old male director and a 62-year-old female employee. 

The investigation is still underway, and the suspects are currently under questioning.

A customs spokesperson emphasized the importance of compliance with the TDO and advised consumers to only buy services from reputable sources. 

Under the TDO, any trader who misrepresents a service to a consumer faces severe penalties, including a fine of up to HK$500,000 and a maximum of five years in prison if convicted.