Customs seizes $8.8m in fake sneakers bound for overseas markets

In a major blow to counterfeit traffickers, Hong Kong Customs officers announced on Thursday that they intercepted three shipping containers from mainland China over two days last month, uncovering around 44,000 pairs of suspected knockoff footwear valued at approximately HK$8.8 million at the Tuen Mun River Trade Terminal.

Acting on intelligence and risk profiling, inspectors targeted the 40-foot containers on October 20 and 24, discovering the massive haul of imitation shoes inside.

Preliminary findings indicate the goods were slated for transshipment to international destinations, evading detection en route to foreign buyers.

Authorities are pressing ahead with the probe to trace the supply chain and identify those behind the operation.

The agency pledged ongoing vigilance, leveraging data analysis to clamp down on smuggling and intellectual property violations.

Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, importing or exporting items bearing forged trademarks carries stiff penalties, including fines up to HK$500,000 and imprisonment for five years.