Shopkeeper Jailed for Selling Fake Cigarettes
A shopkeeper in Swansea, Yarech Kader, has been sentenced to jail for selling counterfeit cigarettes in his store. He made approximately £300 daily by selling fake big brands such as Lambert & Butler, Marlboro, and Benson & Hedges. Kader avoided attending court for sentencing and was eventually apprehended on an arrest warrant in the English East Midlands. The judge mentioned that his actions showed an intentional evasion of justice.
- Undercover officers discovered counterfeit cigarettes being sold in the store.
- Additional inspections revealed hidden counterfeit tobacco products.
- Products did not comply with UK legislation on packaging and health warnings.
The extensive list of counterfeit brands found included Richmond, Superking, Winston, and Rothmans. Despite attempts to seek legal representation, Kader opted not to attend the court hearings. He had a history of convictions related to illegal tobacco trading. Kader received a sentence of two years and three months in prison.
- Kader was involved in multiple cases of unlawful tobacco trading in the past.
- He was fined and sentenced to prison in previous convictions.
- Additional arrest warrants and delays occurred during the current case proceedings.
The judge, Huw Rees, proceeded with sentencing in Kader’s absence, emphasizing the significant period of evasion. Kader will serve at least half of the sentence in custody before being released on license. This case highlights the serious consequences of engaging in the sale of counterfeit goods and the importance of upholding legal standards in retail businesses.