Council prosecute town centre retailer for illegal vapes, counterfeit goods and underage sales

A Scunthorpe man’s company has been fined £15,000, plus £6,433.80 costs, and he has been ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work following a successful investigation by Trading Standards officers at North Lincolnshire Council.

Sabore Alkozei, 23, owner of Alkozei Bargains Ltd, was also made the subject of a 12-month community service order following a hearing at Grimsby Crown Court.

Officers visited the shop, called Latif and Brother Bargains on Scunthorpe High Street, on numerous occasions.

Illegal vapes and counterfeit homewares with a street value of more than £50,000 were seized and evidence gathered about the selling of a vape to a minor.

A number of warnings were given to Alkozei, of Detuyll Street, Scunthorpe, but illegal trading continued and he was successfully prosecuted following a guilty plea.

Cllr Carl Sherwood, cabinet member for Community Wellbeing (Rural) said: “Residents have told us loud and clear they’ve had enough of illegal vape sales and counterfeit goods – and so have we.

“We take every report seriously and act on it. Our message is simple: we have zero tolerance, and if you break the law, we will come after you.”

If you are concerned about people or businesses selling illicit goods or making underage sales, please contact the Trading Standards team on 01724 297000.

Information from the public will help with our ongoing investigations to catch criminals and ensure illegal products are taken off our streets.