Customs officers have raided 10 boutiques in Central, Causeway Bay and Kowloon City, and four warehouses in Lan Kwai Fong, seizing 4,100 items of counterfeit clothing worth $1.4 million.

Two men and 12 women, aged 26 to 60, were arrested. They have been released on bail pending further investigations.

Yesterday's operation was conducted after a two-month investigation into a complaint from the public. It is believed the counterfeiters tried to convince customers the goods were off-season genuine items, parallel imports or second-hand.

Contravening the Trade Descriptions Ordinance warrants a $500,000 fine and five years jail. Any cases of suspected counterfeiting can be reported to the department's 24-hour hotline 2545 6182.