2 OPATRA LONDON managers arrested over suspected unfair sales practice

Customs officers have arrested two managers of a beauty retailer associated with the UK brand OPATRA LONDON on suspicion of using improper sales tactics to coerce customers into making purchases.

The two suspects -- a 42-year-old male financial manager and a 25-year-old female administrative manager -- are suspected of violating the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.

Customs are not ruling out further arrests.

Customs will also investigate into other affiliated businesses of the retailer.

The probes began after a woman reported to police that she was pressured into buying more than 60,000 dollars worth of products at an OPATRA LONDON branch in Sha Tin.

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(Government Press Release)

Hong Kong Customs arrests financial manager and administrative manager of beauty company

Hong Kong Customs conducted an enforcement operation today (August 19) to combat unfair trade practices by beauty companies. An investigation was launched into a retailer suspected of engaging in aggressive commercial practices when selling skincare products and beauty devices. During the operation, a financial manager and an administrative manager of the company involved were arrested for suspected violations of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (the Ordinance). The investigation is ongoing, and the possibility of further arrests is not ruled out.

Customs once again appeals to customers who suspect they have been subjected to such unfair trade practices to contact Customs as soon as possible.

Customs reminds traders that they must comply with the requirements of the Ordinance, and advises consumers to patronize reputable merchants. Consumers should remain calm before purchasing services or products. If they do not fully understand the product details and prices, or do not wish to make a purchase, they should firmly refuse to sign any sales documents or make any payments.

Under the Ordinance, any trader who uses harassment, coercion, or undue influence to restrict or impair a consumer's freedom of choice or conduct, thereby causing the consumer to make a transactional decision, commits the offense of aggressive commercial practices. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Customs has always attached great importance to consumer rights protection and has zero tolerance for unfair trade practices, pledging to continue its stringent enforcement action against unscrupulous traders.

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Members of the public who encounter unfair trade practices or suspect a trader has violated the Ordinance should report it as soon as possible by calling the Customs 24-hour hotline at 182 8080, or via the crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or the online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).