Customs in Hong Kong seized more than 230,000 counterfeit World Cup items during an investigation before the start of the World Cup. In total, the authority estimated the market value at 156 million Hong Kong dollars (around 17.2 million euros), said customs in the Chinese special administrative region. The investigators also temporarily arrested six suspects and later released them on bail.
According to the information, investigators found counterfeit goods in 34 cases during the operation between May 26 and June 10, including tens of thousands of counterfeit jerseys, but also football boots and goalkeeper gloves. The authority assumed that many of these were intended for further export rather than for sale in Hong Kong. Other fake jerseys found were offered online.
Customs expects more counterfeits
Citing customs, Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post reported that 80 percent of the goods were destined for the Americas, where the World Cup will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Because this World Cup is the largest to date, high demand for fan items is expected, said customs investigator Wayne Chung, according to the report. “Therefore, smuggling of counterfeit products is expected to increase,” he continued.
Customs advised customers to shop at reputable stores to avoid counterfeits and warned dealers not to offer counterfeits as it was a serious crime. The maximum fine could be 500,000 Hong Kong dollars and five years in prison, the authority said.