Hong Kong customs has arrested a restaurant owner for allegedly using an illegal streaming device to broadcast live football matches in Tung Chung, marking the first time an enhanced copyright law has been used against a catering business.
Officers found multiple television sets broadcasting an overseas football match to customers during a raid on Sunday night, Senior Inspector Chow Lai-man from customs’ intellectual property investigation bureau said on Monday.
The operation was conducted at about 10pm, when an English Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool was being played.
Two men, aged 27 and 57, identified as the restaurant owner and an employee, were arrested. Authorities have not ruled out further arrests.
Officers seized illegal streaming and network devices, along with audiovisual equipment including three TV sets with an estimated market value of HK$18,000.
The restaurant, which seats 80 to 100 people, served alcoholic beverages and operated until late at night, Chow said.