Harlesden trader caught with �80,000 worth of fake clothing en route to Wembley Market
Seller snared after his van was pulled over during a multi-agency operation
A Harlesden trader who was caught with counterfeit clothing en route to Wembley Market has been sentenced in court.
Yesterday (Thursday), Harrow Crown Court heard Akbar Askarzadah’s van was crammed with hundreds of fake t-shirts, polo tops, shirts, hooded tops, jackets and trainers bearing designer names including Ed hardy, Nike and Armani.
If the goods had been genuine they would have been worth more than �80,000.
The discovery was made after the 29-year-old, who lives in Mayo Road, was pulled over at a road block next to the market during an operation named ‘Capital’ involving Brent and Harrow Trading Standards officers (BHTSS), Tokyngton Police Safer Neighbourhood Team, Her Majesty’s Customs and Revenue (HMRC) and the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) last April.
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As BHTSS officers searched traders’ vehicles, HMRC officers checked their credentials for possible tax evasion or benefit fraud, and VOSA carried out roadworthiness inspections.
Askarzadah initially gave false details to BHTSS officers but was tracked down and interviewed.
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He initially claimed he was just the delivery driver but in court he admitted three counts of breaching the Trade Marks Act.
He was ordered to carry out 100 hours community service.
Bill Bilon, from BHTSS said: “This case follows many other successful prosecutions against traders who have been caught selling counterfeit goods from Wembley Market.
“I hope that this case will send a clear message to those involved in the sale of counterfeit goods that that Service will use all available resources to prevent this illegal trade.”
The fake clothing will be debranded and donated to charity, destroyed or recycled.
