ICAC seizes fake 'Playstation' handsets in graft probe on C&E officers
2000-3-24
The ICAC has arrested an officer of the Customs and Excise Department (C&E) who was suspected to be an operator of a pirated game compact disc (CD) shop and engaged in the manufacture and sale of counterfeit products, including “ Playstation ” handsets and pirated game CDs.
The ICAC is investigating a corruption complaint which alleged that a pirated game CD shop had been receiving tip-offs about C&E raids through bribing Customs officers.
During an operation which commenced on Wednesday, the ICAC arrested seven people, including the 33-year-old Customs officer, and searched a pirated game CD shop at Kwai Chung Plaza, a small factory in Yuen Long and a warehouse in Tuen Mun.
A large quantity of counterfeit “ Playstation ” handsets, pirated game CDs, modified "Playstation ” consoles and other pirated accessories were seized from the shop as well as the factory.
The other six arrested, aged between 23 and 33, were two other shop operators and four staff employed by the shop.
ICAC inquiries revealed that the fake “ Playstation ” handsets seized, bearing the trademark of the genuine manufacturer, were sold at $90 each - about one-third of the market price of the genuine products.
Meanwhile, the “ Playstation ” consoles seized were believed to have been modified to accommodate pirated game CDs.
The seven arrestees have been released on ICAC bail, pending further enquiries.
The ICAC is investigating a corruption complaint which alleged that a pirated game CD shop had been receiving tip-offs about C&E raids through bribing Customs officers.
During an operation which commenced on Wednesday, the ICAC arrested seven people, including the 33-year-old Customs officer, and searched a pirated game CD shop at Kwai Chung Plaza, a small factory in Yuen Long and a warehouse in Tuen Mun.
A large quantity of counterfeit “ Playstation ” handsets, pirated game CDs, modified "Playstation ” consoles and other pirated accessories were seized from the shop as well as the factory.
The other six arrested, aged between 23 and 33, were two other shop operators and four staff employed by the shop.
ICAC inquiries revealed that the fake “ Playstation ” handsets seized, bearing the trademark of the genuine manufacturer, were sold at $90 each - about one-third of the market price of the genuine products.
Meanwhile, the “ Playstation ” consoles seized were believed to have been modified to accommodate pirated game CDs.
The seven arrestees have been released on ICAC bail, pending further enquiries.