A trader who repaired customers’ Apple products with counterfeit parts has been caught out in Fulham .

Faizan Haq was running Apple Repairs in London from Fulham Palace Road, which traded as a laptop repair shop that specialised in products of the US technology brand when he was caught out in 2013.

Hammersmith and Fulham Council’s Trading Standards raided his premises and found him to be using fake components to repair the items after receiving a complaint from a member of the public.

He admitted to five counts of being in possession of counterfeit Apple goods at Isleworth Crown Court and was given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months, fined £2,500 and ordered to carry out 50 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay the prosecution’s costs of £11,200.

Among the fake good he was found in possession off were screens, covers and chargers all with the Apple name and branding.

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As part of the council’s investigation, an Apple expert was brought in to confirm the goods were counterfeit, and a National Trading Standards team helped with the operation.

Haq’s defence counsel told the court his client would in future ensure his goods were authentic and would register as an authorised dealer.

Sentencing, Recorder Ian Peddie QC, said Haq was making profit through passing off the goods as genuine, which undermined the brand’s reputation.

Speaking after the sentencing on May 17, Cllr Wesley Harcourt, head of environment, transport and residents’ services at Hammersmith and Fulham Council said: “We are determined to ensure a level playing field for businesses in H&F. Dishonest traders get an unfair advantage and damage the reputation of our bona fide businesses.

'Residents' safety at risk'

“Counterfeit products do not go through the same safety checks as genuine articles, so can put residents’ safety at risk. As such, we will relentlessly pursue those trying to peddle fake goods on our streets.”

getwestlondon was unable to contact Haq at his shop on Monday (June 13) morning.

Before Christmas Trading Standards in Kensington and Chelsea intercepted 'potentially dangerous' electrical goods heading to shop shelves .

Anyone with information about traders selling counterfeit goods should report them to our Trading Standards team on 020 8753 1081 or by email trading.standards@lbhf.gov.uk.