A SELLER of counterfeited goods in Droitwich has been sentenced after pleading guilty to seven offences under the Trade Marks Act.
Matthew Sier, 46, of Tagwell Close in Droitwich received a 12 month community at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on April 14 after selling fake car badges and key rings.
An investigation was instigated and a prosecution taken by Worcestershire County Council’s Trading Standards Service after an entry warrant was executed at SIER’s home address.
The man was identified selling counterfeit goods on the eBay website using multiple usernames. Items purchased by Trading Standards Officers were found to be counterfeit which prompted the raid of Sier’s home.
Almost 2,000 items of fake branded car badges and keyrings were identified at his home address and seized. The confiscated haul included BMW, Ford, Mini, Mercedes and Abarth branded items and the total estimated retail High Street value of the seizure was more than £30,000.
Alongside Sier’s community order he will have to complete 80 hours of unpaid work and pay costs amounting to £2,000.
Simon Wilkes, Head of Worcestershire Regulatory Services said: “The sale of counterfeit goods is not a victimless crime; it damages legitimate businesses and the interests of those who own the intellectual property rights of the trademarks which are being copied.
“Counterfeit goods are not of the same quality as the genuine product and although not the case with the items seized as part of this investigation, often come with significant safety risks.
“We urge the public not to buy counterfeit goods. Producers of counterfeit goods are often involved in other serious crime and money laundering.
“Our Trading Standards Officers will continue to investigate those who choose to supply fakes in Worcestershire.
“We continue to monitor online sales sites and will have no hesitation in prosecuting those that cause harm to Worcestershire’s economy.”
Visit https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/business/worcestershire-trading-standards-services or call Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 to report information about the sale of counterfeit goods.
