Logo

Internet trader jailed after investigation that produced 2,000 pages of evidence

A rogue internet trader who sold fake versions of gadgets has been jailed for two-and-a-half years after an investigation by Portsmouth City Council trading standards that required 2,000 pages of evidence.

Officers raided premises used by Michael Reeder following complaints from the public and found thousands of counterfeit Apple, Sony, Nintendo, Sennheiser and Monster items.

Reeder, 35, of Carbis Close, Port Solent, was found guilty of 13 offences under the Trade Marks Act. He must serve a minimum of 15 months.

The raid yielded more than 2,000 items, imported from China via an unauthorised supplier.

In August 2011 Reeder told the officers he had stopped trading, but a customs seizure at East Midlands Airport of fake Monster headphones, produced another lead. Officers discovered Reeder was still in business, with a new website called Nice Cans.

More raids, in September 2011, produced a haul of more than 1,500 items, including fake Monster, Sennheiser and Sony headphones, plus counterfeit iPhone cases, PlayStation controllers and Wii accessories.

Trading standards manager Peter Emmett said: "We're delighted with the outcome today, as it demonstrates to traders that you cannot rip off consumers and get away with it. The court took the view that this was fraud from the outset and trading standards will continue to actively pursue illegal trading.”

Emmett added: “This has been the most complex and difficult investigation ever undertaken by the team, producing more than 2,000 pages of evidence, but we got there in the end.”

A court hearing on 21 June will look into confiscating money Reeder made from his activities. He was already subject to a court enforcement order taken out by the council in 2009, imposed when he failed to supply purchases on time and give refunds. 

(c) HB Editorial Services Ltd 2009-2022