Hong Kong customs arrests 2 over aggressive sales tactics at Opatra-branded shops
Arrests mark the first linked to the brand following mounting complaints and viral video of distressed customer
Hong Kong customs officers have arrested two staff members from a local company operating under the Opatra London brand following controversy over aggressive sales tactics, as the UK headquarters further distanced itself from the firm.
The financial and administration managers – a Hong Kong man, 42, and a woman, 25, respectively – were detained on Wednesday, Senior Investigator Leung Ka‑ho of customs’ trade descriptions investigation bureau said.
It marked the first arrests linked to the brand accused of deploying high-pressure sales tactics targeting middle-aged and elderly shoppers. The arrests were made under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance.
A source said that investigators were also trying to locate three directors and could not confirm whether they were in the city.
Leung did not elaborate on the pair’s roles, saying there were indications they had been part of the chain’s operations, without naming it.
“Our investigation is still ongoing, and we do not rule out the possibility of further arrests,” Leung added.