Hong Kong Customs has raided 21 party rooms across the city and arrested five people over the alleged commercial use of pirated karaoke songs. The suspects comprise three men and two women aged between 28 and 44. The operation was carried out between late July and September 3, according to reports, which differ slightly on the precise start date.
Officers seized 21 playback machines reportedly preloaded with suspected infringing karaoke songs, along with audio-visual equipment. Reports differed on the additional items, with some referring to game machines. The total value of the seized equipment was estimated at about HK$600,000.
Those arrested included party-room operators and staff. They are suspected of offences under Hong Kong’s Copyright Ordinance and have been released on bail pending further investigation. No prosecutions have been announced, and the case remains under investigation.
Customs identified the premises through analysis by a big-data system, assistance from copyright owners and subsequent investigation. The department said many of the party rooms used self-service booking systems, with no staff usually present. Customers were reportedly given the detailed address and entrance passcode only after payment.
The machines were reported to contain more than 10,000 local pop songs, including newer tracks that had become popular on online platforms and radio. This detail was reported by local media and has not been presented as a confirmed finding in the supplied information.
Customs warned that buying or renting a playback machine from a supplier does not by itself provide a licence to use the songs or games commercially in Hong Kong. Ming Pao reported that, where copyright owners have not granted permission, possessing or allowing others to use infringing copies in business may, upon conviction, carry a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and four years’ imprisonment for each infringing item. The five suspects remain on bail, while reports said further arrests had not been ruled out.