A trader has admitted selling thousands of pounds worth of fake designer goods in Wembley to his unsuspecting customers.

Brent & Kilburn Times: A counterfeit Paul's Boutique handbag found on Ahmad Araam's stallA counterfeit Paul's Boutique handbag found on Ahmad Araam's stall (Image: Archant)

Ahmad Araam bought hundreds of plain accessories including bags, belts and purses before branding them by hand with metal badge and plates bearing names such as Mulberry, Paul’s Boutique, D&G, Hermes and Louis Vuitton.

Willesden Magistrates’ Court head the 24-year-old from Wanstead, east London, sold the goods at Wembley Market – which closed last year.

He was caught after officers from Brent and Harrow Trading Standards Service (BHTSS) teamed up with the police and an executive from Paul’s Boutique.

Tests conducted on a Paul’s Boutique bag brought from Araam proved it was counterfeit leading to a raid on his stall.

In addition to the fake goods, officers also seized nearly 900 metal badge and plates, along with a tool for piercing leather so they could be branded onto plain handbags and purses.

Last week Araam admitted 10 offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994 and applying false trade marks.

He was ordered to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work over 12 months, make a contribution of £1,210 towards prosecution costs and pay a victim surcharge

Simon Legg, from BHTSS, said: “This case illustrates that should any person be found to be in charge of a stall with counterfeit goods on, then they must appreciate that there are consequences to their actions.

“Hopefully it will be a lesson to others who are contemplating doing the same”.

A new artisan market is planned for the former site of Wembley Market following its closure last year.

The management company who have taken over the site have signed a pledge with BHTSS to keep it free of counterfeit goods.