Coventry couple sold illegal cigarettes and alcohol on Facebook

A Coventry couple has been sentenced for selling illegal cigarettes and alcohol on Facebook.

Officers acting on a warrant found over 40,000 cigarettes and almost 150 bottles of Polish spirits among other products.

Bartiomiej Karczewski, 35, and Paulina Karczewski, 32, both of Watersmeet Road, Coventry, pleaded guilty in January and were then sentenced at Warwick Crown Court last Friday (February 15).

Bartiomiej Karczewski was sentenced to six months imprisonment suspended for 12 months, ordered to undertake 150 hours unpaid work and pay costs of £1,000.

Paulina Karczewski was sentenced to a 12 month community order, 100 hours unpaid work, and to pay costs of £1,000.

The issue first came to the attention of Trading Standards when they received a complaint that Bartiomiej Karczewski was offering illicit tobacco products and alcohol on Facebook.

A copy of an advert showed the tobacco did not comply with the appropriate labelling requirements, and was therefore believed to be non-duty paid.

Watch: How to spot a website selling fake goods

Investigations led officers to another posting on Facebook, this time relating to alcohol and cigarettes and another offering Polish beer for sale.

A warrant of entry was obtained and executed and illicit tobacco and alcohol was found all over the house.

In total 44,500 cigarettes, 51 pouches of hand rolling tobacco and 143 bottles of Polish spirits and 34 bottles of beer were found.

The tobacco included multiple brands some of which were counterfeit.

In sentencing His Honour Judge Cooke was of the view that both were involved in running a business selling tobacco and alcohol but Bartiomiiej Karczewski took the leading role.

Cllr Christine Thomas, Chair of the Licensing and Regulatory Committee, said: “I hope this case acts as a deterrent to those thinking of selling illicit products on social media platforms.

"The quantities involved showed a commercial operation and the multiple brands further indicated that they were not for private use.

"Where Trading Standards become aware of illicit products being sold they will investigate and act as appropriate.

"In this case this meant obtaining an entry warrant to enter someone’s home.”

To report the selling of illegal tobacco and alcohol, please call trading standards on 03454 040506 or e-mail: trading.standards@coventry.gov.uk

   

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