Couple Sentenced for £2M Counterfeit Clothing Scheme
A Birmingham Crown Court imposed sentences on 7 April after a long investigation by Birmingham Trading Standards. The probe uncovered a large-scale counterfeit operation run from a home in Acocks Green.
The couple were sentenced for their part in a £2M counterfeit clothing scheme. Both had previously entered guilty pleas.
Sentencing and offences
Shahzad Ahmed, 41, received a custodial term of six and a half years. He was convicted under the Trade Marks Act 1994 and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
His wife, Afshan Shahzad, was handed a two-year suspended sentence. She must complete 200 hours of unpaid work and 10 days of rehabilitation.
Operation details
The business traded as Smass Ltd. Plain t-shirts had famous logos printed on them and were sold on online marketplaces.
The illegal activity continued for more than five years. This persisted despite numerous formal warnings and a police search warrant that led to seizures.
How the goods were marketed
Officers found the couple used internet platforms to reach buyers. The model allowed rapid sales and widespread distribution.
Impact on brands
Investigators estimated the financial harm at about £2m. The losses affected multiple well-known rights holders.
- Marvel
- Warner Brothers
- Paw Patrol
- Gucci
Local authority response
Sajeela Naseer, director of regulation and enforcement at Birmingham City Council, condemned the operation. She said the case showed a deliberate attempt to profit unlawfully at others’ expense.
Naseer added that continued trading after warnings increased the seriousness of the offence. She said the sentence should act as a deterrent to those considering similar activity in Birmingham.
Coverage by Filmogaz.com.
