Hong Kong Customs Raids Beauty Chain Office Over High-Pressure Sales Complaints

Hong Kong customs has raided a corporate secretarial office in Sheung Wan as part of an investigation into a local beauty chain linked to UK brand Opatra London, following six complaints alleging high-pressure sales tactics involving sums of up to HK$100,000 (US$12,745). Officers from the Customs and Excise Department seized documents from an office in the Wing On Centre on Connaught Road Central on Tuesday. While listed as the beauty chain’s registered “principal place of business”, the office displayed signage for corporate services firm Ascentium, with no visible branding or operational staff for Opatra London. Senior investigator Leung Ka-ho of the Trade Descriptions Investigation Bureau said officers found only a secretarial service at the site, with no actual operations or staff of the beauty chain. He said customs had so far received six complaints, mostly from middle-aged or elderly people, involving sums ranging from HK$1,800 to HK$100,000. “We will continue to trace the company’s responsible people and staff involved,” Leung said, adding that enforcement action and possible arrests would be taken if necessary. He said the relevant beauty chain was suspected of using unfair trade practices in selling skincare products and beauty devices, in breach of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance’s provisions against aggressive commercial practices.