Hong kong: Hong Kong has announced the seizure of counterfeit World Cup-related merchandise worth over HK$156 million (approximately 696 million Thai baht). The operation confiscated more than 230,000 items, including football jerseys, footballs, and soccer cleats.
According to Thai News Agency, Hong Kong customs officials revealed that the seized goods included approximately 30,000 football jerseys, some of which were skillfully crafted counterfeits indistinguishable from genuine ones. Most were player-grade jerseys, which typically command higher prices than fan-grade versions due to their design and materials.
The majority of the seized goods were manufactured for export to foreign markets, with nearly 80 percent destined for the Americas, the co-hosts of the FIFA World Cup: the United States, Mexico, and Canada, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19.
In addition to clothing and sporting goods, this operation, which involved sweeping inspections of various logistics centers from late May to early June, also seized a large number of other items, such as shoes, watches, speakers, and designer handbags. Counterfeit luxury brands like Louis Vuitton bags and Rolex watches were displayed at the press conference. Officials believe these fashion items may have been destined for tourist demand in other regions, and they are currently investigating the source of all the goods.
Regarding the legal proceedings, authorities arrested a truck driver at an immigration checkpoint on the Hong Kong-mainland China-Macau Bridge. Additionally, five other suspects involved in the online sale of counterfeit football jerseys were apprehended. All suspects have now been released on temporary bail.
Officials warn that anyone involved in the import, export, sale, or possession of counterfeit goods for commercial purposes faces a maximum prison sentence of five years and a fine of up to approximately US$64,000 (approximately 2,200,000 Thai baht) if found guilty.