Counterfeit Louis Vuitton branded mooncakes seized by HK authorities

Hong Kong Customs has seized a total of 114 boxes of suspected counterfeit mooncakes with an estimated market value of about HK$650,000. In the operation, four people were arrested. 

According to the South China Morning Post, it was the first time that Hong Kong Customs seized counterfeit Louis Vuitton mooncakes, as counterfeit mooncakes from catering company Maxim’s and Peninsula Hotel were also found. The total estimated market value of the haul was HK$650,000, the largest in the past five years.

Customs said earlier that it received information from a trademark owner who alleged that suspected counterfeit mooncakes were put on sale through some online platforms. After that, officers took enforcement actions on consecutive days and raided four online platform accounts selling suspected counterfeit mooncakes. Two residential premises in Tuen Mun and Kam Tin, an industrial unit in Tuen Mun and a mini-storage in Sheung Wan were also searched, resulting in seizures of the batch of suspected counterfeit mooncakes and other suspected counterfeit goods, including perfume, cosmetics and kitchenware. 

One man and three women aged between 25 and 34 were arrested during the operation. Customs said it was looking into the source of the mooncakes and samples were sent to the Government Laboratory for safety testing.

Customs said consumers should purchase goods at shops or online shops with a good reputation and to check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if the authenticity of a product is in doubt. It also reminded online sellers not to sell counterfeit goods and to be cautious as offenders selling counterfeit goods are liable to criminal sanctions.

Customs added that as the Mid-autumn Festival is around the corner, it will continue to step up inspections and enforcement to combat the sale of festive counterfeit food items and counterfeit goods.

Strengthen your omnichannel marketing capabilities today with MARKETING-INTERACTIVE's Omnichannel Marketing Asia on 23 November. Learn ways to build an evidence-based practice, up the ante on your strategies, and be head and shoulders above your competition. Click here to register today!