Archive Council News

This page is a news release published by Wrexham County Borough Council.
Content Author: pressoffice@wrexham.gov.uk

25 February 2010

Counterfeit goods dealer has assets confiscated

Following joint action by Wrexham Council Trading Standards and North Wales Police, a Wolverhampton man found to be in possession of counterfeit goods has had assets confiscated under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

On 6 July 2008 Trading Standards Officers seized over 500 items of counterfeit clothing from a stall being run at Chirk Car Boot Sale by Adil Haq of Goldthorn Road, Wolverhampton and his uncle, Mohammed Haq, also of Wolverhampton. On 12th October 2009 at Mold Crown Court, both men had pleaded guilty to charges under the Trade Marks Act. Both received suspended prison sentences and were ordered to carry out 100 hours community service. Also, the Court ordered that their finances should be investigated under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

At Mold Crown Court on 19 February 2010, following the financial investigation by a North Wales Police specialist financial investigator, the Court ruled that Adil Haq had assets that had been gained from criminal activity and £51,700 was confiscated, which he must pay within 6 months. If he fails to comply with the confiscation order he faces up to 18 months imprisonment but will still be liable to comply with the confiscation order when he is released. The Court found that Mohammed Haq had no assets that could be confiscated and he was ordered to pay a nominal sum of £1.

Cllr David Bithell, Lead Member for the Environment and Transport said

“This is an excellent result and it demonstrates the benefit of partnership working between Trading Standards and the Police. Anyone dealing in counterfeit goods should be aware of the consequences if they are caught. They face heavy fines and custodial sentences and we now consider Proceeds of Crime Act investigations in every case. Financial investigations go back six years and defendants may lose any of their assets including homes, cars and cash which have been acquired as the result of criminal activity. Trading Standards have other Proceeds of Crime cases ongoing and will take all action possible to deter people from selling counterfeit goods”.

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