Customs officers have seized 103 modified game consoles and 316 pirated game discs worth more than $200,000 in raids on 13 shops in Sham Shui Po, four in Mong Kok and four in Wan Chai.

A new technique is being used by some shops to illegally modify game consoles. Instead of putting circumvented devices in the consoles, the software is modified or intervened with so pirated electronic games can be read.

Officers posing as customers went to these shops yesterday to buy the consoles. Twenty-one men and five women, including six shop proprietors and 20 shop assistants aged 18 to 61 were arrested. They are on bail pending further investigation.

Customs Divisional Commander (Copyright) Catherine Yip said today stringent action will continue.

It is an offence to make, import or export circumvention devices for sale or hire; sell such devices; or provide circumvention services. The maximum penalty is four years' jail and a $500,000 fine.

To report copyright infringing activities call 2545 6182.