Counterfeiter Prosecuted

Leicestershire County Council’s Trading Standards Service has successfully prosecuted a Hinckley resident who sold thousands of counterfeit DVDs through the internet over a 9 month period.

Shane Albert Caiger, who at the time of selling the DVDs was unemployed and claiming benefits, was fined £2,100 at Hinckley Magistrates Court for selling counterfeit and unified DVDs. He was also ordered to pay £1,456.59 in costs to the County Council.  

The Trading Standards Service received a complaint in December 2005 from the member of the public about Mr Caiger, alleging he was selling counterfeit DVDs through an internet auction website.

His account on that website was then monitored, and test purchases of several DVDs were made in between December 2005 and March 2006.

A search warrant was executed at Mr Caiger’s property in March 2006 where officers of the Trading Standards Service seized numerous items including a computer, 2 multiple DVD/CD copying devices, over 400 DVDs and artwork for the cases and the discs. 

David Bull, Head of Trading Standards, said: "Counterfeiting goods, such as DVDs, causes economic loss to the film and video industry and problems for consumers, who believe they are buying genuine goods but end up with poor quality copies. This type of activity results in illegal profit, unfair competition, and, in some cases may be used to fund more serious criminal activities. The Trading Standards Service will continue to bring appropriate cases before the courts so as to protect consumers and legitimate business"

People who believe they may have purchased counterfeit goods or wish to report someone they believe is involved with counterfeiting should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Ends

Press release issued: February 5 2007