Customs today announced that it seized about 2,000 items of suspected counterfeit accessories worth about $100,000 after investigating a case of suspected fake goods being sold via live webcasts on social media.

This is the first time Customs has detected the selling of suspected counterfeit accessories through live webcasts on social media.

The department earlier received information alleging that suspected counterfeit goods were put on sale through a social media platform.

Upon investigation, Customs officers found that a seller had set up a dedicated page on a social media platform to sell suspected counterfeit accessories via live webcasts.

Each live webcast session would last for about five to six hours and was mostly conducted during overnight periods to evade Customs' detection.

The transactions were made in an interactive mode with customers. Upon receiving orders, the seller would ask the buyers to transfer money to designated bank accounts and the suspected counterfeit goods would then be delivered to buyers via couriers.

After an in-depth investigation with the assistance of trademark owners, Customs officers raided a residential unit in Sha Tin on September 21 where the suspected counterfeit accessories, including earrings, hair ornaments and scarves, were seized.

During the operation, one man and one woman, both aged 30, were arrested.

Customs appealed to consumers to procure goods from reputable shops and websites with favourable comments and check with the trademark owners or their authorised agents if they doubt the products' authenticity.

People may report suspected infringing activities by calling the 2545 6182 hotline or by emailing crimereport@customs.gov.hk.