Hong Kong Customs carried out an operation to detect counterfeit jewellery at the Jewellery & Gem Asia Hong Kong (JGA) fair, which was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 19 to 22 June.
Customs received information that counterfeit jewellery was being sold at some booths at the JGA. Following an investigation and with the assistance of trademark owners, Customs officers conducted a test purchase and seized about 50 pieces of counterfeit jewellery with an estimated market value of about $150,000 from three booths.
During the operation, three men and two women, aged between 28 and 48, were arrested on suspicion of violating the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. Three of them were responsible persons and two were employees. The investigation is ongoing and further arrests are not ruled out.
According to a statement from Hong Kong Customs, great importance is attached to combating counterfeit and fake activities. Customs will dispatch officers to various exhibitions from time to time to conduct inspections and will immediately contact the trademark or copyright owner to confirm the authenticity of the goods if suspected counterfeit or fake goods are found.
Customs will continue to take strict enforcement measures. Booth exhibitors are reminded to respect intellectual property rights and not to sell counterfeit goods.
According to the Ordinance, any person who sells or possesses for sale any goods bearing a counterfeit trademark commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
Hélène Tarin, Editor-in-Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough&Polished
