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Hong Kong customs arrests Opatra London staff over alleged high-pressure sales
The arrests follow complaints involving alleged coercive purchases ranging from HK$1,800 to HK$100,000, and Opatra has suspended operations at four Hong Kong branches.
Hong Kong customs officers have arrested two staff members tied to Opatra London, the South China Morning Post reported. The detainees include a financial manager and an administration manager, detained on Wednesday, in what the outlet described as the first arrests connected to the UK-based chain accused of using aggressive sales tactics.
The investigation was prompted by at least six complaints received by Hong Kong customs that alleged coercive and misleading sales practices. The outlet said victims described being pressured into purchases ranging from HK$1,800, or about US$230, to HK$100,000.
One case highlighted by SCMP involved a 58-year-old woman who reported spending HK$61,400 at a Sha Tin New Town Plaza location, with a video of her crying outside the shop later going viral. SCMP also said customs officers previously raided the chain’s registered office in Sheung Wan, which was linked to a secretarial company address, and seized documents.
Opatra London’s four Hong Kong branches, located in Sha Tin, Yuen Long, Causeway Bay, and Harbour City, have suspended operations, according to SCMP. The outlet also noted the company has faced lawsuits over unpaid rent totaling HK$795,000.