Cheeky trader flogged fake goods claiming to be high-end designer names

A FUGITIVE trader who bit off more than he could chew by selling fake goods has been stripped of his assets while on the run.

Swee Teong Chew has been ordered to cough up �269,815 in the next six months after he was convicted of selling counterfeit items at his shop in Oriental City, Edgware Road, Colindale.

During his trial, the court heard he made a small fortune by flogging thousands of pounds worth of fake clothing and accessories bearing the names of designer brands including Gucci, Armani, Versace, Chanel and Louis Vuitton.

The 43-year-old, from Palmers Green, north London, jumped bail and was sentenced to three years in jail in his absence.

The hunt is still on to find the dodgy dealer who has a number of aliases including Richard Yang and Robert Chew.

Chew was snared after officers from Brent and Harrow Trading Services (BHTSS) teamed up with their colleagues in Islington after receiving a tip-off about his shady dealings.

After raiding his shop and a storage unit he used in Islington they seized thousands of pounds worth of stock.

Last week at confiscation hearing held at Blackfriars Crown Court, HHJ Marron ordered Chew to hand over the six-figure sum under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

If he does not pay the amount in full within six months further time will be added to his jails sentence which he will serve when he is caught.

Whatever the outcome the debt will be outstanding until paid in full.

Bill Bilon, director of BHTSS, said: “This case demonstrated a large scale counterfeiting operation which has now been stopped. Although Mr Chew has gone on the run, there is a warrant for his arrest.

“He will at some stage, have to face the consequences of his actions by not only having to serve his prison sentence but also repaying his ill-gotten gains. This should act as a strong deterrent for those who trade illegally.”

Anyone who knows of Chew’s whereabouts should call BHTSS on 020 8937 5522 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.