Hong Kong Customs Arrests Seven in Crackdown on Illegal Karaoke Sets
Hong Kong Customs has arrested seven individuals following a citywide operation code-named Magpie, targeting party rooms and venues offering karaoke services with copyright-infringing content. The crackdown, conducted between March 16 and April 15, involved over 100 officers who raided 14 party rooms, one bar, and the residences of two online sellers. Authorities seized 28 suspected illegal karaoke sets and four gaming consoles, with an estimated market value of HK$500,000 (US$63,900). The arrested suspects, comprising five men and two women aged 26 to 69, were part of a syndicate that pre-loaded devices with popular local hits to attract customers. Ng Ka-chun, divisional commander of customs’ intellectual property technology crime investigation, stated that the operation successfully dismantled a network spanning online shopping, catering, and entertainment sectors. He emphasized that Customs will continue to utilize big data systems for market monitoring and maintain close cooperation with copyright owners to combat infringement activities across various industries. This action highlights ongoing efforts to protect intellectual property rights in Hong Kong's entertainment and hospitality sectors.
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Hong Kong Customs Arrests Seven in Crackdown on Illegal Karaoke Sets
Hong Kong Customs has arrested seven individuals following a citywide operation code-named Magpie, targeting party rooms and venues offering karaoke services with copyright-infringing content. The crackdown, conducted between March 16 and April 15, involved over 100 officers who raided 14 party rooms, one bar, and the residences of two online sellers. Authorities seized 28 suspected illegal karaoke sets and four gaming consoles, with an estimated market value of HK$500,000 (US$63,900). The arrested suspects, comprising five men and two women aged 26 to 69, were part of a syndicate that pre-loaded devices with popular local hits to attract customers. Ng Ka-chun, divisional commander of customs’ intellectual property technology crime investigation, stated that the operation successfully dismantled a network spanning online shopping, catering, and entertainment sectors. He emphasized that Customs will continue to utilize big data systems for market monitoring and maintain close cooperation with copyright owners to combat infringement activities across various industries. This action highlights ongoing efforts to protect intellectual property rights in Hong Kong's entertainment and hospitality sectors.
News - South China Morning Post