In a shocking revelation, the Hong Kong Police recently cracked down on two cases involving individuals disguised as women infiltrating school premises. What unfolded exposed a deeply unsettling trend on the Carousell online platform – the rampant sale of used school uniforms, particularly those worn by female students. The investigations brought to light an alarming practice of sellers offering heavily used uniforms at exorbitant prices, accompanied by promises of additional “gifts,” including previously worn swimsuits, stockings, and even underwear. This has raised serious concerns about potential illicit activities.
Online Marketplaces Flooded: Carousell’s Underbelly Exposed
According to a report by HOY TV, sellers on popular second-hand trading platforms were listing heavily used female school uniforms at prices significantly higher than new ones. The investigative program, “Undercover Investigation,” discovered an active seller offering around 80 sets of used school uniforms, primarily skirts from well-known traditional girls’ schools in Hong Kong. The most expensive listing reached an astonishing HK$2,588.
The listings prominently showcased the “heavily used” nature of the uniforms, featuring real-life photographs of schoolgirls wearing them. Shockingly, sellers sweetened the deal by including an extra “gift” with each uniform, ranging from swimsuits to stockings and underwear.
Disturbing Revelations: A Five-Year Selling Spree
Further investigation by “Sing Tao Headlines” uncovered that the active seller had maintained two accounts on the platform, one registered seven years ago and the other four years ago. Engaged in selling second-hand school uniforms for five years, the seller amassed nearly 600 sales records across both accounts. Most of the uniforms sold during this period were female school uniforms, priced from a few hundred to several thousand Hong Kong dollars.
HOY TV’s discovery of a HK$2,588 listing, comprising ten pieces of sportswear from a renowned girls’ school in Wong Tai Sin and a nearly new second-hand swimsuit, raised additional concerns. Customers were promised the “gift” of underwear, showcasing a disturbing pattern of offering intimate items.
Seller’s Tactics: Elusive and Unsettling
When contacted by HOY TV, the seller, despite expressing interest in purchasing one of the school uniforms, did not respond. Instead, the seller emphasized the allure of receiving used stockings as a gift and pressured a swift purchasing decision, claiming a high demand for the uniforms and stockings. Notably, the seller adamantly refused in-person meetings, insisting on shipping the items.
Throughout the conversation, the seller maintained that the uniforms had been worn by the same person and even disclosed their own identity.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The unsettling trend of selling used school uniforms, particularly those worn by female students, on online platforms demands immediate attention. Authorities need to address the potential risks and protect the privacy and safety of students. As consumers, vigilance is key when navigating online marketplaces, ensuring we do not inadvertently contribute to the perpetuation of such alarming practices.