Key Points
- Two eBay traders in Mile End, Foysal Habib and Abu Sufian, received suspended prison sentences for selling counterfeit goods.
- Trading Standards officers uncovered a ‘sophisticated’ counterfeiting operation at Sundarbon internet café, Burdett Road.
- Fake Apple batteries, Samsung earphones, USB cables, and counterfeit Bio-Oil were seized during inspections.
- Judge warned that Sufian narrowly avoided an immediate custodial sentence due to his late guilty plea.
- Financial penalties under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) will be determined at a later hearing.
- Councillor Shafi Ahmed warns that counterfeit goods pose serious safety risks, citing recent London Fire Brigade concerns.
- Tower Hamlets Council urges residents to buy electrical products only from trusted sources.
Tower Hamlets Council has issued a warning to residents about the dangers of counterfeit goods after two traders from Mile End were convicted for selling fake cosmetics and electronics online.
Who were the traders and what were they selling?
Foysal Habib, 44, of Pott Street, E2, and Abu Sufian, 50, of Beryl Avenue, E6, were found guilty of selling counterfeit Bio-Oil, electrical items, and clothing on eBay. The case was brought to light following an inspectiontow by Tower Hamlets Trading Standards officers at Sundarbon internet café on Burdett Road.
Among the counterfeit goods seized were fake Apple batteries, Samsung earphones, USB cables, and various adapters, all of which did not meet safety regulations.
What were the sentence?
Both men were initially charged and pleaded not guilty, but later changed their pleas in August 2024.
- Foysal Habib was sentenced to six months in custody, suspended for two years.
- Abu Sufian was sentenced to nine months in custody, suspended for two years.
The judge described the operation as “sophisticated” and warned that Sufian would have received an immediate custodial sentence had he not changed his plea.
Financial penalties under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and cost considerations will be addressed at a later hearing.
Why are counterfeit goods dangerous?
Councillor Shafi Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, stressed that counterfeit goods pose serious risks to consumers.
“Selling counterfeit goods is not a victimless crime as fake cosmetics and electronics very often do not meet safety regulations, putting people’s health and potentially their lives in danger.”
He also highlighted the London Fire Brigade’s concerns over fake electrical products, which have been linked to fires and serious injuries in the UK.
What is Tower Hamlets Council doing about it?
Tower Hamlets Council is urging residents to be cautious when purchasing electrical products online. The council has vowed to take action against counterfeit sellers and has praised the work of Trading Standards in tackling illegal activity.
“I’d like to thank our Trading Standards Team for their work in this case and I hope it sends a strong message to anyone else selling knock-off goods that it won’t be tolerated here in Tower Hamlets,” said Cllr Ahmed.
Residents are encouraged to buy electrical products only from trusted retailers to ensure safety and compliance with UK standards.
