Opatra suspends Hong Kong distribution after staff arrests
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Opatra London said on Friday that it had mutually agreed with its local distributor to suspend the Hong Kong distribution agreement after the arrest of two local managers and an investigation into alleged aggressive sales practices. The British headquarters said the Hong Kong stores were independently owned and operated by the local distributor, while adding that Hong Kong remained an important market and that it would fully cooperate with any inquiries by the authorities.
Key Points
- Customs arrested a 42-year-old male financial manager and a 25-year-old female administration manager on Wednesday on suspicion of breaching the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.
- The case grew after a video circulated online showing a 58-year-old woman kneeling outside the Sha Tin New Town Plaza store, crying after spending more than HK$60,000
- Customs received six complaints on Tuesday involving amounts ranging from HK$1,800 to HK$100,000, with all complainants described as middle-aged people or elderly customers
- The office of local company Sayles Retail and a corporate secretarial office in Sheung Wan were raided by customs officers as the investigation widened
- Stores at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin and YOHO Mall in Yuen Long suspended operations after the allegations became public
Why It Matters
The suspension effectively halts Opatra’s current Hong Kong distribution arrangement while the investigation continues, leaving the brand’s local retail presence in limbo. Customs has said it does not rule out further arrests and will also examine related companies, suggesting the case could widen beyond the two managers already detained