Published: Tuesday, 20th June 2023
Oldham Council’s Trading Standards department has successfully prosecuted a Clarksfield man after a haul of counterfeit branded goods, including trainers, perfume and sunglasses, were discovered.
In December 2020, Ciprian Masare was spotted in Southport possessing fake branded perfume. Following a short chase on foot he was arrested by Merseyside Police officers.
More counterfeit perfumes, trainers and other goods were then seized from an address in Oldham. In total more than 300 fake products were recovered.
Following an investigation by trading standards Masare, of Prince Edward Avenue pleaded guilty in court to 40 criminal offences of possession for supply under the Trade Marks Act 1994.
He returned to Stockport Magistrates Court for sentencing on May 14 and was ordered to carry out 300 hours of community service and pay £1,000 costs.
Counterfeit trainers and sunglasses had previously been seized from Masare during a vehicle stop and search in Oldham in 2018.
On that occasion the goods had been forfeited by the court and Masare had been warned that further action would be taken if he continued dealing in counterfeit goods.
Councillor Elaine Taylor, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council and Cabinet Member for Housing and Licensing, said: “This is a good result as our Trading Standards Team have taken a large number of fake goods off the streets.
“Masare didn’t learn his lesson when he was caught for selling fakes a few years ago and now he has had to pay the price.
“Counterfeit goods are often poor quality, do not meet safety standards and can contain unsafe ingredients or substances.
“By buying counterfeit goods people are also supporting criminality and undermining legitimate businesses.”
If you know where counterfeit goods are being sold you can report it to trading standards by calling the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.