Hong Kong Customs Arrests Seven in Crackdown on Alleged Fake ‘Original’ Phone Screens
Hong Kong Customs arrested seven men after a series of raids on mobile phone repair shops accused of misleading customers by selling counterfeit or generic components as brand-new original screens. The enforcement action, carried out between June 26 and June 29 with assistance from trademark holders, focused on outlets in Mong Kok, Tuen Mun and Yuen Long, according to statements from the department.
Investigators said some shops promoted screen replacement services at prices significantly below official repair charges, claiming to install full-price, new original displays. Undercover officers posing as customers were allegedly quoted between HK$1,000 and HK$2,000 for "original" screens, roughly half the about HK$2,500 charged through official channels, but were instead supplied with non-original or suspected counterfeit parts.
During the operation, Customs officers seized a batch of mobile phone components bearing suspected forged trademarks, including screens, batteries and back-glass panels. The seven arrested store employees, aged between 23 and 53, are suspected of applying false trade descriptions in the provision of repair services and of possessing goods with forged trademarks for commercial purposes, in possible contravention of Hong Kong’s Trade Descriptions Ordinance. All have been released on bail pending further investigation.
Customs officials warned that some businesses may be exploiting consumers’ limited technical knowledge and the practical difficulty of inspecting internal parts after repairs, using lookalike or non-original components to maximise profit. The department reminded traders that selling counterfeit goods and applying false descriptions are serious offences. On conviction under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, offenders face a maximum penalty of a HK$500,000 fine and five years’ imprisonment. Consumers were advised to use reputable repair providers and to consult trademark owners or their agents if they have doubts about the authenticity of products or parts.
