19th December 2025 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong Customs conducted a territory‑wide enforcement operation codenamed “Magpie” from 3rd to 10th December to crack down on party room operators suspected of providing infringing karaoke songs to customers.
Acting on intelligence and with assistance from copyright owners, officers identified several venues believed to be offering pirated karaoke content in the course of business. Raids were carried out at eight party rooms across Kwun Tong, Kowloon Bay, San Po Kong, Mong Kok, Cheung Sha Wan, Kwai Chung and Yuen Long.
Officers seized eight karaoke systems used to play suspected infringing tracks, one suspected infringing games console, and a quantity of audio‑visual equipment, with an estimated total market value of about HK$240,000. Two male persons‑in‑charge, aged 27 and 42, were arrested on suspicion of breaching the Copyright Ordinance. Both have been released on bail pending further enquiries. The investigation continues and further arrests have not been ruled out.
During the probe, Customs also identified six party rooms situated in industrial buildings suspected of breaching lease conditions. These cases have been referred to the Lands Department for follow‑up action.
Customs reminded operators to comply with the law and consult rights holders on the business use of music video recordings. With Christmas and New Year approaching, inspections and enforcement will be stepped up to tackle infringing activities and protect copyright owners’ rights.
Under the Copyright Ordinance, any person who, without the licence of the rights holder, possesses infringing copies of a work for use in the course of trade or business commits an offence. The maximum penalty on conviction is a fine of HK$50,000 per infringing copy and four years’ imprisonment.
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