Counterfeit Dior, Chanel products seized in arrest of Hong Kong online store operator

Hong Kong customs officers have arrested a 48-year-old woman who allegedly operated an online store selling counterfeit items, seizing about 15,000 items labelled as Dior, Chanel and other luxury brands.

Chow Lai-man, a senior inspector with customs’ intellectual property investigation bureau, said on Friday the counterfeit goods had an estimated market value of roughly HK$2 million (US$257,310) and most were clothing.

“Customs earlier received a report that someone was selling counterfeit products online,” Chow said. “Customs personnel then disguised themselves as customers to attempt to buy these products online.”

Authorities said the store had more than 10,000 followers online, with its office in Yuen Long only accessible by customers. The woman mainly sold children’s clothing, skincare products and daily necessities.

To attract customers, the store claimed the products were from suppliers hoping to clear stock at a discount, and that it carried goods from different countries.

Chow said that after receiving help from the trademark owners and conducting an investigation, officers raided the office and warehouse on Tuesday.