Hong Kong customs officials have removed e-commerce listings linked to the sale of counterfeit "space oil" by vendors using the name of Chinese astronaut Yang Liwei. The operation targeted illicit sellers who used the astronaut’s name as a code to bypass platform filters.
Customs authorities made 64 requests to remove illegal products from major platforms including Taobao, and Pinduoduo. The crackdown followed agreements signed with these platforms to combat counterfeit goods. The "space oil," also known as etomidate, is a substance used in medical settings and is banned for non-medical use.
This follows a broader effort by Hong Kong customs to address online drug trafficking. Officials have previously targeted sellers using coded names and misleading product descriptions. The use of Yang Liwei’s name highlights the evolving tactics of illicit vendors to evade detection. The operation underscores the challenges of regulating online marketplaces for illegal substances.
