Couple’s £2M Birmingham Counterfeit Clothing Scam Dupes Top Brands from Home
A Birmingham couple has been convicted of conducting a large-scale counterfeit clothing operation, leading to significant financial losses for well-known brands. This scheme, which operated from their home in Acocks Green, involved the production and sale of fake branded t-shirts.
Operation Overview
Shahzad Ahmed, aged 41, and his wife Afshan utilized their residence, located on Bricksmith Close, to run a counterfeit printing factory. Using plain t-shirts, they printed popular logos and trademarks, creating a deceptive operation that lasted for over five years.
Company Details
- Business Name: Smass Ltd
- Location: Bizspace Business Park, Unit 23, Sigma Way, Kings Rd, Tyseley
- Director: Shahzad Ahmed
Impact on Brands
The operation reportedly caused estimated financial harm of £2 million to legitimate brands. Major names affected include:
- Gucci
- Marvel
- Warner Brothers
- Paw Patrol
- DeWalt
- Adidas
- Honda
- Nasa
- Jurassic Park
Legal Proceedings
Birmingham Trading Standards officers intervened after receiving warnings of the couple’s activities. They raided the property and confiscated a significant quantity of counterfeit goods. Despite earlier warnings, Ahmed and Shahzad continued their illegal operations.
Sentencing
In the recent court proceedings, Shahzad Ahmed was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison, while Afshan Shahzad received a two-year suspended sentence, along with 200 hours of unpaid community service and ten days of rehabilitation. Both pleaded guilty to multiple charges under the Trade Mark Act.
Regulatory Response
Sajeela Naseer, director of Regulation and Enforcement at Birmingham City Council, emphasized the seriousness of the couple’s actions. She reiterated the commitment of Birmingham Trading Standards to combat counterfeiting and support legitimate businesses.
