Hong Kong customs has intercepted more than 83,000 counterfeit items worth about HK$36 million (US$4.62 million) in a recent crackdown. Authorities warn that criminals are using the heightened holiday season demand as a 'smokescreen' to move illicit goods to Europe and the Americas. The operation uncovered 28 cases involving a diverse range of fake luxury products aimed at high-spending markets worldwide.
Hong Kong's Customs and Excise Department launched a targeted operation amid the year-end logistics surge, successfully intercepting a large haul of counterfeit goods. Senior Investigation Officer Lin Kwan-yiu stated: “Criminals are exploiting the massive year-end logistics peak as a ‘smokescreen’ to move illicit goods, hoping the sheer volume of holiday traffic will help them evade detection.”
According to the department, the crackdown detected 28 cases and seized approximately 83,000 items of suspected counterfeit goods, with an estimated market value of about HK$36 million. The haul included a variety of fake luxury products that closely mimicked authentic brands, targeted at high-spending markets in Europe, the Americas, and beyond. Lin noted that syndicates are increasingly producing high-quality counterfeits to deceive buyers.
He added: “In this operation, we detected a total of 28 cases and seized approximately 83,000 items of suspected counterfeit goods, with an estimated market value of about HK$36 million.” The effort highlights how criminals leverage the holiday shopping boom to smuggle illicit items through Hong Kong's busy ports.
As a major global logistics hub, Hong Kong faces ongoing challenges from counterfeit trade, especially during peak seasons. Customs vows to intensify border inspections to safeguard intellectual property and protect consumers from fakes.
