Scammers selling fake electronic goods on eBay from an internet café in Mile End have been handed suspended jail sentences after being caught by trading standards officers.
Abu Sufian, a 50-year-old from Beryl Avenue in Beckton, admitted selling counterfeit Bio-Oil, electrical items and clothes.
His accomplice, 44-year-old Foysal Habib, from Pott Street in Bethnal Green, also pleaded guilty.
The pair were caught after a spot check by Tower Hamlets officers who seized counterfeit Apple batteries, Samsung earphones, adapters and USB cables during an inspection at the Sundarban internet café in Burdett Road.
The prosecution was part of the local authority’s move against fake goods sold to the public.
“Counterfeit electrical chargers and batteries have been linked to serious injuries and fires,” Tower Hamlets Cllr Shafi Ahmed said.
“Selling counterfeits is not a victimless crime as fake cosmetics and electronics often don’t meet safety regulations.”
A judge described the online sales as “sophisticated” and highlighted Sufian’s leading role, noting that a prison sentence would have been imposed had he not pleaded guilty.
Sufian was given nine months, suspended for two years, while Habib got six months, also suspended for two years.
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