Birmingham Couple Sentenced for £2m Counterfeit Clothing Operation

Shahzad Ahmed, aged 41, received a custodial sentence of six and half years for offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994 and The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and running a business that produced and sold counterfeit branded clothing from the couple’s home in Bricksmith Close in Acocks Green.

He ran the company with his wife, Afshan Shahzad under the name Smass Ltd where they worked together printing fake logos onto plain t‑shirts, sending the items to customers via online marketplaces.

They both pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing. Afshan Shahzad was given a two-year suspended jail sentence and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and 10 days of rehabilitation. 

They were sentenced on 7 April at Birmingham crown court.

The illegal operation ran for over five years and continued despite multiple formal warnings from Birmingham Trading Standards. Even after officers executed a search warrant to seize the counterfeit goods, the couple were interviewed under caution, and they continued to trade illegally. 

The estimated financial harm to legitimate brands, including Marvel, Warner Brothers, Paw Patrol, and Gucci, totalled approximately £2 million. 

Sajeela Naseer, Director of Regulation and Enforcement at Birmingham City Council, said: “This case represented a serious and deliberate attempt to profit from criminal activity at the expense of consumers, legitimate businesses, and well‑known brands. 

“Despite repeated warnings and clear opportunities to cease their activities, Mr Ahmed and Ms Shahzad continued to operate illegally for personal gain. The sentencing reflects the gravity of their actions, and we hope it sends a strong message that counterfeiting will not be tolerated in Birmingham.” 

Birmingham Trading Standards remains committed to working with brand owners, enforcement partners, and online platforms to identify and disrupt similar illegal trading operations. 

Note to editors:

Both pleaded guilty to –

OFFERING FOR SALE OF GOODS BEARING A SIGN IDENTICAL TO A TRADE MARK, contrary to sections 92(1)(b) and 92(4) of the Trade Marks Act 1994. Between the 1st April 2016 and the 7th August 2023, sold or offered or exposed for sale or distribution goods which bore a sign identical to, or likely to be mistaken for, the registered trade mark as set out in appendix 1. The maximum sentence is 10 years imprisonment

UNAUTHORISED POSESSION OF GOODS BEARING A SIGN IDENTICAL TO A TRADE MARK, contrary to section 92(1)(c) of the Trade Marks Act 1994. On the 12th August 2021, had in their possession, custody or control, in the course of a business and for the purpose of supply, goods (transfers), as set out in appendix 2, which bore a sign identical to or likely to be mistaken for the registered trade mark.

Ahmed also pleaded guilty to -

CONVERTING ETC. CRIMINAL PROPERTY, contrary to section 327(1) of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Between the 1st April 2016 and the 7th August 2023, transferring and/or converting criminal property namely the proceeds of the sale of counterfeit goods.