Customs detain beauty managers over coerced tactics

Two senior managers from a local beauty store were detained by customs authorities in a probe into potentially coercive sales methods. The suspects — a 42-year-old financial manager and a 25-year-old administrative manager — were arrested on suspicion of breaching the Trade Descriptions Ordinance. Law enforcement officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests.

The operation followed six complaints that were made to the department. Those who claimed to be victims alleged that the retailer used coercive and aggressive tactics to pressure shoppers into buying skincare items and beauty equipment. Their financial losses amounted to between HK$1,800 and HK$100,000. On Tuesday, authorities conducted a search of the company's registered premises in an effort to gather evidence and probe the allegations further.

While the authorities did not disclose the name of the company due to the ongoing investigation, they confirmed that the business operated multiple retail locations throughout the territory, including in Sha Tin, Yuen Long, and Causeway Bay. The retailer's product range consists of skincare creams for the face and body, as well as electronic beauty devices.

Customs officials have advised consumers to only shop from reputable merchants, to think carefully before making any purchases, and to refrain from signing sales agreements or making payments if they do not completely understand the details and costs involved.