MTR Corp sues Opatra operator over HK$347,000 unpaid rent and fees at Sha Tin mall

Hong Kong’s railway operator has sued the local distributor behind embattled beauty brand Opatra London for allegedly failing to pay more than HK$347,000 (US$44,248) in rent and other fees at one of its shopping malls.

A court document reviewed by the South China Morning Post on Thursday showed the MTR Corporation, as the landlord of Citylink Plaza in Sha Tin, suing Sayles Retail, the local operator for the UK-based beauty chain, for the outstanding payments.

Opatra London has faced intense scrutiny and law enforcement action over the past month following online customer complaints about aggressive sales tactics, leading to the arrest of three individuals – including a saleswoman – by the Customs and Excise Department.

Customs officers alleged after the latest arrest on Wednesday that the saleswoman used aggressive sales tactics to pressure a customer into making purchases at a now-closed Opatra London branch in New Town Plaza in Sha Tin.

Another Opatra London outlet was located in neighbouring Citylink Plaza.

The SCMP previously reported that at least one top executive of Sayles Retail resigned in late August, after customs officers arrested two of the firm’s managers over alleged coercive and misleading sales practices.