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Jail for trader in counterfeit goods (4 April 2016)

Date: 04/04/2016
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Jail for trader in counterfeit goods

Central Bedfordshire Council’s Trading Standards Team has prosecuted a local man who profited by more than £53,000 from a counterfeit clothes business.

Nilupul Hettiarachchige of Acacia Road in Bedford admitted eight charges – including knowingly taking part in running a fraudulent business.

Hettiarachchige’s businesses included selling fake T-shirts and hoodies on wellknown websites such as Amazon and Ebay.

He ran the businesses from November 2012 until October 2014, before the council’s Trading Standards Team raided his house and seized items of clothing, printing equipment and computers.

Hettiarachchige was sentenced to eight months in prison.

The issue of forfeiture of computer and printing equipment – along with prosecution costs – will be decided in August, when there will be a Proceeds of Crime Act hearing.

The council says it will be seeking to obtain all of the proceeds made from Hettiarachchige’s illegal activity.

Clothing seized in the raid will be de-branded and sent to charities and other organisations, where it can be resold or distributed.

After the heating, Bedford Council’s Executive Member for Community Services, Councillor Brian Spurr, said:

“This is another superb result for our Trading Standards team, who work tirelessly to catch people like this.

“While there may be a temptation in making some quick cash by making and selling counterfeit goods, it is against the law – and, as this case has proved, you could face time in prison for your criminal activities.”

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For expert legal advice on charges relating to public protection offences, call Duncan Lewis criminal solicitors on 0333 772 0409.

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