Watch shop at centre of scandal could face police charges

The watch shop involved in the counterfeit scandal exposed by a mainland TV station could face deception charges if its watches prove to be fake, a legal professional said.

The Majestic Watch & Jewellery Company in To Kwa Wan, which allegedly sold fake Swiss-made watches, has remained closed over the past week as mainland customers repeatedly visited the store to seek refunds, claiming they were duped.

Customs seized almost 500 watches worth HK$4 million from the shop. Tests on the samples are expected to be done with the support of the watch manufacturer, Seculus.

Raymond Tang Tak-ming, an experienced lawyer in criminal law, said the watch seller could face a charge of obtaining advantage by deception if the watches are fake.

'It is different from those vendors selling cheap counterfeit Louis Vuitton bags in streets,' said Mr Tang. 'If you know what you are selling is fake, but tell the customers it is genuine, that will be deception.'

A spokeswoman with the Customs and Excise Department confirmed that officers were in middle of the process of verifying the seized watches.