Customs seizes $2.58m in counterfeit goods in Mong Kok before holiday rush

Hong Kong Customs has seized HK$2.58 million worth of suspected counterfeit goods and arrested five people after raiding stalls in Mong Kok’s Ladies’ Market and a nearby storage unit ahead of the Christmas and New Year shopping season.

During routine patrols at popular shopping hotspots, officers identified several fixed hawker stalls selling suspected counterfeit products. The department subsequently launched a two-week special operation from November 20 to December 4.

Customs officers swept 21 fixed stalls on Tung Choi Street—commonly known as Ladies’ Market—as well as an upstairs warehouse used to store counterfeit merchandise. About 7,000 suspected fake items were seized, including handbags, leather goods, and jewelry.

A man and four women, aged between 23 and 56, were arrested. The investigation is ongoing.

With the holiday period approaching, Customs said it will continue to step up patrols and enforcement to “combat all forms of counterfeit activities” and safeguard the interests of local consumers and visitors.

The department reminded consumers to shop only at reputable retailers and to consult trademark owners or their agents if they have doubts about a product’s authenticity.

It also urged businesses to refrain from selling counterfeit goods and to exercise caution when sourcing merchandise, warning that the sale of counterfeit goods is a serious criminal offense.

Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, anyone who sells or possesses counterfeit goods for sale commits an offense and faces a maximum penalty of a HK$500,000 fine and five years’ imprisonment upon conviction.

Members of the public may report suspected counterfeiting activities by calling the 24-hour Customs hotline at 1823, emailing crimereport@customs.gov.hk, or submitting a report through the online platform at eform.cefs.gov.hk.