Customs officers have neutralised a syndicate involved in pirated optical discs peddling activities in Wan Chai, arresting 21 people and seizing $1.2 million worth of goods.

The syndicate is believed to have sourced pirated discs from the Mainland and smuggled them into Hong Kong by courier. Its daily proceeds were estimated at about $20,000 and money-laundering activities were involved.

On June 23 and 24, officers raided 17 locations - including 12 flats, a pirated disc storage centre, a pirated disc retail outlet, a computer hardware retail outlet and a restaurant.

They seized 12,000 pirated discs, two private cars, 14 computers, $310,000 in cash, and $200,000 worth of valuables. 

Fourteen men and seven women aged 16 to 70 were arrested,. Two of the men are believed to be the syndicate masterminds.