Three arrested at Mong Kok ginseng store

Hong Kong Customs officers have arrested three Mong Kok ginseng store staff, charging them with making false representations.

Hong Kong Customs officers have arrested three Mong Kok ginseng store staff, charging them with making false representations during the sale of American ginseng.

Their actions allegedly contravened the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) and if found guilty they face a maximum penalty of a $500,000 fine and imprisonment for five years.

Customs were acting on a tip-off alleging salesmen of a ginseng and dried seafood shop in Mong Kok used a gift to attract a customer and further claimed that American ginseng was being sold at a specific price. After the goods were sliced, the salesmen revealed that the American ginseng was priced per tael. The price was 16 times different from expected.

After investigation, Customs officers arrested three men, aged between 27 and 42, two of them directors of the company and the other a salesperson.

Investigations are ongoing and the arrested men have been released on bail pending further investigation.

A Customs spokesperson says inspections and enforcement will be stepped up ahead of the coming of the Labour Day Golden Week period.

“Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to purchase products from reputable shops,” the spokesperson said.

“Consumers should also be cautious about the unit price and ask for more information, including the total price of the goods selected, before making a purchase decision.”