Customs Seize 100,000 Fake Jerseys Ahead Of World Cup

Customs officers on Thursday said they recently seized around 100,000 counterfeit football jerseys and sports shoes with an estimated market value of more than $50 million.

Fifteen people were arrested and released on bail.

Officers said they found the fake goods at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point, Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Control Point, and at several logistic companies.

Officers said they believed most of the items were to be re-exported overseas, while the rest would have been sold locally.

Gary Hung, divisional commander of customs' intellectual property investigation bureau, said the counterfeit goods are highly accurate copies of genuine articles.

"Customs reminds the public to buy goods at reputable shops and compare the market price range before purchase. Customers should remain more alert to unusual prices offered by the online traders or some goods in limited editions being offered by the traders," he said.

Hung added that genuine football jerseys usually cost between HK$600 and HK$1,300, with fake ones going for as little as HK$200.