A Harlesden-based online business, its company director and a third party supplier have been fined after being found in possession of counterfeit goods.
Company director, Nilesh Saxena of New Delhi, India; Myraid Medical Supplies Limited of McNicol Drive and Intriangle Solutions Ltd of Bessborough Road in Harrow were ordered between them to pay over £9,000 in fines and costs by Willesden Magistrates Court last week.
The court heard how in December last year, Brent Council Trading Standards Officers did a test purchase on the website and were sent a fake Ralph Lauren T-shirt.
Officers then visited the address the website worked out of in McNicol Drive and found 513 branded items that were seized and identified as being counterfeit.
The council say that goods seized included fake Ralph Lauren T-shirts, Hugo Boss tops and Burberry scarves.
In total the RRP of the items sized if genuine is believed to be over £38,000.
Officers also found counterfeit packaging, branded with various trade marks to package up the illegal fakes to make them look genuine and more authentic to unsuspecting customers.
'Be suspicious about bargains'
Cllr James Denselow, cabinet member for stronger communities at Brent Council , said: "This is another great result for Brent Regulatory Services.
“Counterfeit goods are a huge problem nationally and I am pleased that in Brent we are seeing complaints about fake goods going down. I'd like to remind everyone that it is a criminal offence to try to gain by using a trademark without the owner's permission.
“Fake goods are often bad quality. I would advise residents to be suspicious about bargains. If something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
“Businesses that flout the legislation in Brent will be taken through the courts. Our officers work hard to make Brent a safer place for residents and consumers.
“We want Brent to be a place where genuine and legitimate businesses thrive. If residents have any suspicions about fake goods they should get in touch- we will take action."
If local residents or businesses have any concerns about the sale of counterfeit goods, Brent Council say they should report them to Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06.
