Hong Kong Customs arrests two OPATRA LONDON managers over suspected sales pressure

Hong Kong Customs has arrested a 42-year-old local man, the finance manager of OPATRA LONDON, and a 25-year-old local woman, the company’s administrative manager. Both are suspected of violating the Trade Descriptions Ordinance in connection with alleged improper sales practices. The investigation is continuing.

Customs alleges that the company may have exerted improper influence on consumers while selling beauty products and equipment, using intimidating sales methods to pressure them into making purchases. The allegations have not been established in court.

Reports differed in their descriptions of an earlier Customs operation at the company’s address at Wing On Centre in Sheung Wan. One report said officers investigated and gathered evidence at the company’s registered address, while i-CABLE reported that the address was a secretarial company with no business activity or employees. Another account said Customs searched an office there and removed two boxes of evidence.

Reports also referred to complaints from consumers. One report said a 58-year-old woman spent more than HK$60,000 at an OPATRA LONDON shop in July before reporting suspected deception to police. Another said Customs had earlier received six complaints and that members of the public were still reporting cases on August 19. That report referred to a largest case involving more than HK$100,000; it was not clear whether it was the same incident as the HK$60,000-plus purchase.

Customs said it had noted media reports about related companies and would investigate whether they were connected to the business and whether any offences were involved. Business registration information cited by Ming Pao said OPATRA LONDON was operated by Sayles Retail Limited, which was reported to have operated another brand, LUX BOUTIQUE, in Hong Kong in September 2024.

Customs said the two arrested people had participated in the company’s operations and were arrested for investigation. The department said the case was continuing and that further arrests could not be ruled out.