Woman narrowly avoids jail after selling fake Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Prada products on Facebook

A Merthyr Tydfil woman has been convicted of selling counterfeit goods online from which she made more than £11,000. Lisa Hunt was convicted of offences under the Trade Marks Act in relation to the supply of counterfeit goods on May 15 this year at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates’ Court

She was found guilty of seven offences related to the sale of counterfeit goods through a Facebook group. The conviction follows an investigation by Merthyr Tydfil Trading Standards into the unlawful trading activities conducted by the defendant. The court was told that more than £11,000 was paid to her bank account, which was thought to be from the sale of counterfeit goods via the Facebook group Lisa’s Genuine Reps A**.

She was selling counterfeit Chanel, Nike, YSL, Stone Island, Balenciaga, Louis Vuitton, and Prada-branded goods such as handbags, trainers, sliders, tracksuits, and jewellery. She was sentenced to 12 weeks in custody for each of the seven offences with the sentences suspended for nine months and she was ordered to pay £1,000 towards the prosecution costs and a surcharge of £154.

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The council said counterfeit goods pose a significant threat to consumers, legitimate businesses, and the economy as a whole. Paul Lewis, head of public protection at the council, said: “We are fully aware of the difficulties business face from unfair illegal competition. Through robust enforcement we aim to ensure Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council continues to support legitimate businesses.” To get all the latest Merthyr Tydfil news straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Councillor Michelle Symonds, cabinet member for regeneration, housing, and public protection, said: “The conviction of Lisa Hunt sends a clear message that Merthyr Tydfil Trading Standards will not tolerate the sale of counterfeit goods within our community. We will continue to work tirelessly to protect consumers and legitimate businesses from the harm caused by counterfeit goods.” The council reminded members of the public to remain vigilant when purchasing goods, particularly through online platforms, and to report any suspicions of counterfeit activity to trading standards.