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.
You may also want to watch:
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.
Most Read
- 1 Mum's 'desperate' fundraiser as 15 families face eviction in Stonebridge
- 2 Kingsbury mandir to be 'Europe's first' vaccine centre in Hindu temple
- 3 'No light at the end of the tunnel' says Northwick Park surgeon on operation backlogs
- 4 Gang member jailed for 18 years after hiding guns and drugs in Cricklewood
- 5 Estate agents volunteer at Wembley Park's Covid vaccine centre
- 6 Election candidate 'should be disqualified' for lockdown visit, say opposition
- 7 Neasden man charged with murder and knife attacks
- 8 Pictures: Snow arrives covering Gladstone Park and Neasden Temple
- 9 Wembley drug dealer jailed for biting, scratching and pushing police
- 10 Appeal after woman hit on the head and sexually assaulted in Sudbury
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.