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Prosecuted For Selling Counterfeit Goods

Two Rhondda Cynon Taf residents have been successfully prosecuted by the Council’s Trading Standards Department for operating a fraudulent business and having counterfeit goods in their possession, for the purpose of selling.

Both men, from the Mountain Ash area, appeared at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to four charges under the Trade Marks Act 1994 and one charge under the Fraud Act 2006, of carrying out a fraudulent business, namely the selling and distributing counterfeit clothing and accessories.

The successful charges were brought against the defendants by the Council’s Trading Standards Department following an investigation as a result of information received in relation to the sale of counterfeit sports clothing using the online platform Facebook.

Officers carried out a test purchase of four items of sportswear advertised for sale on November 6, 2020. The items were subsequently examined and confirmed as counterfeit, even though they contained the registered trademarks belonging to The National Football League (NFL) and The National Basketball Association (NBA).

Louise Davies, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Director of Public Health, Protection and Community Service, speaking after the court case, said: “Once again, the Council has concluded a successful prosecution against two residents in relation to the sale of counterfeit goods.

“The law is there to protect both the public and those bona-fide international companies who have a global reputation for selling quality goods at reputable outlets.

“Out Trading Standards officers, working on information received from the public, carried out a thorough investigation, which has resulted in these successful prosecutions.

“These were serious beaches of the Trade Marks Act 1994 and Fraud Act 2006 and the individuals are now paying the price of their illegal actions. The sales of these counterfeit goods were not only detrimental to consumers, but also to the honest traders.

“Consumers also have the right to know that items they are purchasing fit the description being offered.”

A 35-year-old male was fined £738, a £73 victim surcharge and £502 court costs. A 30-year-old male was fined £668, a £68 victim surcharge £68 and £502 court costs. 

Posted on 10/12/2021