Customs today arrested a director of a bakery chain who was suspected of engaging in wrongly accepting payment in the sale of cake coupons or gift vouchers, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

It explained that the bakery chain concerned suddenly announced on September 13 that it had suspended its business. As a result, Customs said it has been paying close attention to the closure and called on the people affected to provide information.

As at 10am today, the department had received 104 complaints regarding the bakery chain, involving 5,300 cake coupons or gift vouchers amounting to about $270,000.

After an investigation, it was revealed that customers who had purchased cake coupons or gift vouchers were unable to redeem the products concerned nor receive any refund of payments after the bakery chain's sudden closure. Customs officers therefore arrested a 55-year-old male director of the bakery chain.

The arrestee has been released on bail pending further investigation, the department added.

Traders are reminded to comply with the ordinance, while consumers are advised to procure cake coupons or gift vouchers at reputable shops and think prudently before consumption with a prepayment.

People may report suspected violations of the ordinance by calling Customs' 24-hour hotline at 2545 6182 or sending an email.