Fake Louis Vuitton, Gucci shoes seized in $1.3M Hong Kong counterfeit bust

Some 18,000 items were confiscated and two individuals were arrested during the operation, which ran from Oct. 6-17, said a press release by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department.

The goods included products bearing brands such as Nike, Adidas, Louis Vuitton and Gucci, according to photos released by authorities.

Shoes seized by Hong Kong customs in an October 2025 operation. Photo courtesy of Hong Kong authorities

They were believed to be bound for overseas markets like Europe and America to exploit demand sparked by global mega-events.

"At mega-events such as sports shoes exhibitions, many collectors and enthusiasts will trade items on site, driving up demand for high-quality counterfeit sports shoes," said the department’s Inspector Yeung Tit-fung, as quoted by the South China Morning Post.

Investigations into the cases are ongoing. The two individuals arrested have been released on bail pending further investigation.

In Hong Kong, importing or exporting goods bearing a forged trademark can result in up to five years in prison and fines of up to HK$500,000 for offenders.

Customs said they will continue to strengthen inspections and pursue intelligence-led operations to curb counterfeit and trademark infringement activities.

The agency had earlier conducted a week-long sweep in late September that targeted major shopping areas before the Golden Week holiday.

That operation led to the seizure of roughly 2,000 suspected fake handbags, leather products and fashion accessories with an estimated market value of HK$1.3 million, Dimsum Daily reported.