Syed Ali sold illegaly copied music on Ebay to unsuspecting customers

Brent & Kilburn Times: Computer equipment used to make the CDs were seizedComputer equipment used to make the CDs were seized (Image: Archant)

An online trader has been convicted of selling counterfeit CDs costing the music industry as much as £40,000 following an investigation by the borough’s trading standards team.

Syed Ali sold the fake goods on online market place Ebay using the name ‘clubmixes22’ despite being warned by Hounslow Trading Standards about doing so in February last year.

Brent and Harrow Trading Standards Service (BHTSS) launched an investigation into his activities after a resident contacted the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) who in turn alerted the team.

Willesden Magistrates’ Court heard Ali had cheekily reported another seller to BPI and Ebay resulting in his own activities being scrutinised.

BHTSS carried out a number of test purchases from Ali which proved he was selling illegally copied CDs.

In October last year, BHTSS officers raided his home where they seized 2,843 CDS and computer equipment made to make the copies.

All the CDS were confirmed by BPI as being illegal copies.

Last week, Ali admitted six offences under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and the case was committed to Harrow Crown Court for sentencing.

It is estimated that the potential loss to the music industry could be as much as £40,000 and Ali now faces having his assets seized in a confiscation hearing at a later date.