Hong Kong customs raids Opatra London office over sales complaints

Hong Kong customs has raided a corporate secretarial office in Sheung Wan as part of an investigation into a local beauty chain linked to UK brand Opatra London, following six complaints alleging high-pressure sales tactics involving purchases of up to HK$100,000 Source: scmp. The office, listed as the chain's registered principal place of business, displayed signage for corporate services firm Ascentium and had no visible Opatra London branding or operational staff Source: scmp. Senior investigator Leung Ka-ho said customs has received six complaints, mostly from middle-aged or elderly victims, with sums ranging from HK$1,800 to HK$100,000 Source: scmp.

The playbook

Former employees and customers of similar beauty chains say the aggressive sales tactics are familiar. Ms Chan, a former junior employee at Orogold, said staff were trained to identify affluent, easily manipulated individuals and secure the largest possible transaction in a single visit Source: South China Morning Post. She recalled an elderly woman who spent HK$600,000 in one afternoon Source: South China Morning Post.

Company response

Opatra London has distanced itself from local distributor Sayles Retail, stating that its Hong Kong outlets are independently owned and operated under a distribution agreement Source: scmp. The company said it deeply regretted any distressing experience and initiated an independent review of the distributor Source: scmp. Sayles Retail, meanwhile, said it offered a partial refund on a HK$60,000 bill Source: scmp.

What's next

Customs said it will continue to trace the company's responsible people and staff, and may take enforcement action or make arrests if necessary Source: scmp.