The Salvation Army Responds to Alleged Counterfeit Items Found in Donated Goods

The Salvation Army has responded to concerns raised about items sold at its All-Care Shop in Hong Kong, following reports of suspected counterfeit goods. A customer reported discovering “electronic smoke bombs” inside a model purchased from the Salvation Army’s store, which was labeled as part of the “Green Valley” collection. The Salvation Army expressed deep concern and apologized for the incident, stating it had been aware of customer reports regarding potential violations in items sold through its stores.

In response, the Salvation Army initiated a full-line shop inspection and committed to a comprehensive review of its processes for recycling, sorting, and inspecting donated goods. The organization condemned any abuse of donor schemes or the misuse of its platform for illegal activities, reiterating its commitment to upholding the rule of law and not tolerating any illegal acts. The Salvation Army has contacted the customer to arrange a refund, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by the incident.

The customer, who purchased the model for his girlfriend, described the experience as distressing. He noted that the box was shown to be “opened” and paid for while shaking, only to discover contraband upon returning home. He raised concerns about the enforcement of laws against the use of reprinted toys, suggesting that such items could be used to transport illegal substances. The Salvation Army acknowledged the issue but emphasized that it was not aware of any violations and urged the customer to provide evidence if a third party needed proof that the model had never been opened.

The Salvation Army also expressed frustration with the customer’s accusations, stating that he was wasting his time and potentially putting himself at risk of illegal behavior without justification. The organization reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, while maintaining that it could not provide refunds under normal circumstances. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about the responsibilities of charitable organizations in ensuring the integrity of the items they distribute.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Mandarin Chinese)