A Gumtree fraudster had admitted selling hundreds of fake designer goods online.
Mark Mateer, of Hammersmith Way, Ipswich, pleaded guilty to 12 counts of Trade Mark Act offences at Ipswich Crown Court today.
Suffolk Trading Standards was made aware of designer goods being sold by the 32-year-old on classifieds website Gumtree in 2013.
Through test purchasing of the clothing, which was found to be counterfeit, a total of 300 items were seized from an address in Byron Road, Ipswich.
The labels included Versace, Juicy Couture, Fred Perry, Lacoste, Ralph Lauren and Stone Island.
Mateer was arrested and questioned in relation to the goods and released on bail pending further investigations.
Suffolk Trading Standards officers were then made aware that Mateer had begun to sell again but from a new location.
He was arrested and more than 190 items of clothing were seized, which included polo shirts, tracksuits, coats, jeans and t-shirts, sunglasses and trainers.
Sentencing for the case is due to take place next month.
Speaking today, Steve Greenfield, head of Suffolk Trading Standards, said: “One of the aims of Trading Standards is to protect consumers from the sale of counterfeit goods.
“Unsuspecting customers are cheated as they believe they are buying the genuine article only to be disappointed and unable to obtain redress from the trader. Counterfeiting also damages the reputable companies and their good name.
“If you are carrying out criminal activity using social networks and other online selling platforms, be aware that you can be traced and you will face criminal penalties for your actions once caught.”
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