A shopkeeper has been fined for selling counterfeit goods.

Mr Mohammed Fasal Azim, 32 of Chingford owns Phone Stop in Chingford Mount Road in Chingford and was found to be selling fake Samsung chargers, batteries and car adapters.

Mr Azim pleaded guilty to five charges of offering counterfeit goods and was fined £1,000, plus £500 costs and a £20 victim surcharge at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Friday August 10.

Cllr Clyde Loakes, deputy leader of Waltham Forest Council and cabinet member for the environment, said: “Fake electrical items like these can pose a huge risk. They may not have been tested properly, or have faults in their construction, and can therefore potentially cause an electric shock or fire that may result in serious harm – or even death.

“Council officers work tirelessly day in day out to identify risks to consumers  and take dangerous items off the shelves. Shopkeepers must be sure that the items they sell are legitimate and safe – and if they are not we will find out and take action to keep shoppers safe.

“Everyone has a right to enjoy shopping safely and with confidence in Waltham Forest.”

Along with the health and safety risks of counterfeit goods, the items are likely to be substandard and of poor quality, with items being more likely to break or fail earlier.

Traders who purchase counterfeit goods could be contributing to the funding of drug dealing and other types of organised crime.

The sale of counterfeit goods leads to the loss of revenue for legitimate manufacturers and threatens the livelihood of legitimate traders and staff.

For advice on consumer issues phone 03454 040506 or visit GOV.UK for your consumer rights: https://www.gov.uk/consumer-protection-rights