HONG KONG -- A total of 27 cases regarding sale of counterfeit and infringing goods on Internet auction sites have been detected as of Friday, since the Hong Kong Customs launched a special operation in May.

During the operation, about 3,500 counterfeit and infringing goods including handbags, purses, accessories, sunglasses, clothing, shoes and socks, pirated optical discs and infringing examination papers, and 27 computers were seized. The total value of the seizures was about HK$540,000 (about $69,624), the customs said.

Thirty-two persons, including 17 males and 15 females, aged between 18 and 55, were arrested. Among them, 17 were employed, 13 were unemployed, one was a student and one was a housewife.

Hong Kong Customs will continue the operation against online selling of infringing goods, especially during festive seasons and long public holidays. The department will also maintain close co- operation with service providers of local auction sites to fight against such activities.

Under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, it is a criminal offense for any person to import, export, sell or manufacture goods with a forged trademark. The maximum penalty is a fine of HK$500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

Under the Copyright Ordinance, it is illegal to import, export, sell or manufacture infringing items. The maximum punishment is an imprisonment term of four years and a fine of HK$50,000 for each infringing copy.