Customs Officials Swoop In Operation 'Goalkeeper'

Customs officials said on Thursday they seized about 259,000 pieces of suspected infringing goods worth an estimated HK$15.3 million in an operation dubbed “Goalkeeper” in the run-up to the Fifa World Cup.

They said five people have been arrested.

The operation, which began on April 30, targeted goods that infringe the World Cup copyright smuggled through different channels to the city before the event kicked off this week.

Officers found the goods in seaborne containers, goods vehicles and air parcels.

Customs officials said the seized goods included 180,000 articles clothing and accessories, 50,000 pairs of shoes and 29,000 bags.

The clothes seized include 57,000 suspected counterfeit jerseys, with most bearing FIFA trademarks that may be forged.