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Rogue trader ordered to repay £150,000 under POCA, after conviction for counterfeit goods (29 February 2016)
Date: 29/02/2016
Southwark Council’s Trading Standards team has successfully prosecuted a rogue trader who sold counterfeit goods – and has also obtained a court order under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), which means he will have to repay £150,000.
The confiscation hearing brought forward by Trading Standards ordered Mustapha Sait, 65, to repay the amount within 28 days – or a default sentence of 12 months in prison would be imposed.
Sait from Walworth in southeast London was originally convicted of Trade Marks offences in February 2015 at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
He had been found with a carload of fake designer goods, including counterfeit Dolce & Gabbana, Nike, Lacoste, Christian Dior, Versace, Ralph Lauren, Y-3, Superdry, G-Star and True Religion products.
At the time, Sait was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months – and was issued with a community order for 80 hours of unpaid work.
As well as being ordered to repay £150,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act, Sait was also ordered to pay more than £10,357 in legal costs.
After the POCA hearing, Cabinet Member for Communities and Safety, Councillor Michael Situ said:
“We want Southwark to have a strong local economy, where legitimate business can thrive free from unfair competition – and where consumers are not deceived into buying substandard, fake goods.
“This result should serve as a warning that the council will take firm action against those that deal in illicit, fake and unsafe goods, to ensure they do not benefit from their crime.”
The confiscation order is split between HM Treasury, Southwark Council and the Confiscation Unit – the council is required to reinvest the amount received on enforcement.
Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers
Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can advise at any stage of a charge for counterfeit goods – as well as advising on the Proceeds of Crime Act.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and a criminal defence solicitor can usually reach a police station within an hour for interview under caution.
For expert legal advice on criminal law, call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 0333 772 0409.
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