Posted on: Tuesday 19 July 2022
A man has pleaded guilty to the possession and sale of counterfeit clothing after he was caught selling fake designer T-shirts on Facebook.
Alex Parry, 28, admitted to 10 charges of selling counterfeit clothing and an offence of operating a fraudulent business at Cwmbran Magistrates Court on Thursday 14 July 2022, following an investigation by Torfaen Council's Trading Standards Officers.
The officers became suspicious by the appearance and price of the items Parry was selling on a number of different Facebook selling sites in early 2021.
The counterfeits, comprising T-shirts bearing logos of designer brands such as Prada, Moncler, Lacoste, Louis Vuitton and Givenchy were being sold at a fraction of the cost of the genuine items, posing threats to legitimate businesses and consumers.
Officers executed a warrant to search his home in Springfield Terrace, Pontnewynydd, Pontypool, and seized 41 items of clothing, which were found to be counterfeit.
Parry was given credit for his early guilty pleas, but he received a community order of 120 hours of unpaid work due to the number of offences.
He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £95 and the Council’s costs of £419.85, together with forfeiture and destruction of the counterfeit items.
Councillor Mandy Owen, Executive Member for the Environment said: "This should be seen as a deterrent to people who think they can make money by selling fake goods via social media.
"Torfaen’s Trading Standards team work extremely hard to tackle the sale and supply of counterfeit items. People caught selling such items don't just risk getting a heavy fine or imprisonment, their financial affairs can also be investigated where courts can confiscate any monies or assets that they can't prove has been earned legitimately.
"Generally, these products are of poor quality and have been shown to be dangerous. Through purchasing counterfeit goods, consumers are supporting illegal and criminal traders, and undermining legitimate businesses. I am asking residents that they only buy goods from reputable or accredited sellers."
Anyone with information about counterfeit goods can contact the Torfaen Trading Standards team on 01633 647623 or e-mail trading.standards@torfaen.gov.uk
Further information be found at www.torfaen.gov.uk/tradingstandards