A Hartlepool man has been convicted of selling counterfeit tobacco products following an investigation by Trading Standards officers.
Mohammed Tariq Tofiq, 32, formerly of Sheriff Street, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty at Teesside Magistrates’ Court to four offences and was ordered to pay a total of £1,016, comprising a £220 fine, a £96 victim surcharge and costs of £700.
The magistrates heard that Tofiq sold counterfeit cigarettes to undercover officers from Hartlepool Borough Council’s Trading Standards Team on three separate occasions in October 2025 while working behind the counter at the European Supermarket in Murray Street, Hartlepool. He also admitted possessing counterfeit hand-rolling tobacco with a view to selling it.
Tofiq pleaded guilty to three offences under Section 92(1)(b) of the Trade Marks Act 1994 for selling counterfeit cigarettes and one offence under Section 92(1)(c) for possessing counterfeit tobacco with a view to sale.
The European Supermarket premises was also made the subject of a Closure Order in November 2025 following the illegal sales.
The European Supermarket in Murray Street
Councillor Amanda Napper, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Neighbourhoods and Regulatory Services Committee, said: “This conviction sends out a clear warning to anyone who thinks they can profit from the sale of illegal tobacco in Hartlepool. Our Trading Standards officers are watching, they will investigate and will take action.
“Counterfeit and illicit tobacco undermines responsible local businesses which obey the law, while its sale can also generate profit and infrastructure that organised crime groups can use to finance and facilitate wider criminal activity in our local communites.
“Cheap illegal tobacco also undermines the enormous amount of work being done by the Council and our health partners to reduce smoking and the serious harm it causes. Of particular concern is the threat it poses to children and young people. It can be more accessible to those who are underage, potentially providing a route into smoking and addiction. Illegal tobacco can also be especially damaging in communities where smoking rates are already higher, contributing to health inequalities and making it harder for people to quit.
“Our Trading Standards team will continue to investigate individuals and businesses suspected of selling counterfeit and illicit tobacco. We will not stand by while illegal traders undercut honest businesses, put livelihoods at risk and profit at the expense of our communities.”
Anyone with information about the sale of illicit or counterfeit tobacco products is urged to report it through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.