Crime Solicitors

A London shopkeeper has been fined £2,300, after he was convicted of selling wines and spirits with fake labels on the bottles.

Thirulogachandran Nesan managed two Londis stores in Plumstead, southeast London.

On 11 September at Woolwich Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to offences involving smuggling goods onto his premises – and selling alcohol with fake labels on the bottles to make it appear as though UK duty had been paid.

The Royal Borough of Woolwich Trading Standards team found a total of 25 bottles of spirits on the shopfloor shelves involving five different brands – as well as a further 76 bottles in the stockroom.

A second visit by the Royal Borough's Trading Standards team and the police led to the seizure of 57 bottles of Italian wine.

The court ordered that the alcohol involved should be forfeited – and fined Nesan £2,300, as well as ordering him to pay a surcharge of £120.

After the hearing, the council's cabinet member for Community Safety and Environment, Councillor Jackie Smith, said:

“Selling illegal alcohol not only damages legitimate businesses – but potentially puts lives at risk, as well.

“Anyone who has information about traders selling suspicious alcohol – or businesses who feel they may have been visited by an illegal supplier – are urged to contact the Royal Borough's Trading Standards team on 020 8921 8223.”

Duncan Lewis Fraud Lawyers

Duncan Lewis fraud lawyers can advise at any stage of a criminal charge involving counterfeit goods, including fake tobacco products, alcohol, perfumes, branded goods such as clothing, pharmaceutical drugs and fake recreational drugs or drugs cut with hazardous substances.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and a criminal defence lawyer can usually reach a police station for interview under caution within an hour.

For expert legal advice on fraud charges and counterfeit goods offences, call Duncan Lewis fraud lawyers on 020 7923 4020.

For 24/7 help at a police station, call the Duncan Lewis Emergency Hotline on 020 7275 2036.