Global Markets
Home›Global Markets›Europe›Hong Kong customs raids secretarial office in Opatra L…
Hong Kong customs raids secretarial office in Opatra London probe
The Customs and Excise Department is investigating alleged unfair trade practices after six complaints citing sales tactics involving up to HK$100,000.
Hong Kong customs has raided a corporate secretarial office in Sheung Wan as part of an investigation into a local beauty chain linked to the UK brand Opatra London, following multiple complaints about alleged high-pressure sales.
Officers from the Customs and Excise Department seized documents from a unit in the Wing On Centre on Connaught Road Central on Tuesday. Although the site was listed as the beauty chain’s registered principal place of business, the office displayed signage for corporate services firm Ascentium and investigators said they found only a secretarial service, with no actual Opatra London operations or staff.
According to SCMP Economy, senior investigator Leung Ka-ho said customs has received six complaints, mostly from middle-aged or elderly victims, with sums reported ranging from HK$1,800 to HK$100,000. Leung said customs will continue tracing the responsible people and that enforcement action, including possible arrests, could follow if necessary.
SCMP Economy reported that the beauty chain is suspected of using unfair trade practices in selling skincare products and beauty devices, in breach of provisions in Hong Kong’s Trade Descriptions Ordinance covering aggressive commercial practices.