2 people arrested in raid on Hong Kong restaurant illegally broadcasting Liverpool match

Hong Kong customs arrested a restaurant owner for allegedly using an illegal broadcast device to broadcast live football matches in Tung Chung; This marks the first time an improved copyright law has been used against a catering business.

Senior Inspector Chow Lai-man of the customs intellectual property investigation bureau said on Monday that officers found several television sets broadcasting an overseas football match to customers during a Sunday night raid.

The operation was carried out around 22:00, when the English Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool was being played.

Two men, aged 27 and 57, who were identified as the restaurant owner and employee, were arrested. Authorities did not rule out the possibility of more arrests.

Officers seized audiovisual equipment, including three TV sets with an estimated street value of HK$18,000, as well as illegal broadcasting and networking devices.

Chow said that the restaurant, which has a capacity of 80 to 100 people, serves alcoholic beverages and is open until late at night.