A shop assistant has been arrested in Leicester and later sentenced after being caught selling counterfeit cigarettes during an undercover operation in Leicestershire.
Aryas Salehi, who worked at Go Vape in Church Gate, Loughborough, appeared at Leicester Magistrates Court on Wednesday 26 November after admitting three offences linked to the sale of illicit tobacco. The court heard that Salehi sold two packs of fake Richmond cigarettes to an undercover officer during a test purchase on 28 March 2025.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Following his arrest and prosecution, Salehi was ordered to complete 54 hours of unpaid work within 12 months. He was also told to pay a £115 victim surcharge and £200 in prosecution costs.
Magistrates were told that the cigarettes were retrieved from a storeroom rather than from behind the counter. Tests later confirmed the tobacco was counterfeit and breached multiple laws, including the Trade Marks Act 1994 and tobacco packaging and safety regulations.
The case forms part of wider enforcement work by Leicestershire County Council’s Trading Standards team, working alongside Leicestershire Police. The joint activity falls under Operation Hind, a county-wide initiative aimed at tackling the sale of illegal cigarettes and vapes, which have previously been found to contain harmful substances such as arsenic and lead.
As a result of further investigations linked to the case, the shop was ordered to close until 23 July 2025 under a Closure Order granted earlier this year.
Councillor Virge Richichi, cabinet member for regulatory services, said the action showed authorities were taking the issue seriously, adding that officers would continue working to remove illegal tobacco and vaping products from local streets.
Gary Connors, head of regulatory services, said the prosecution sent a clear message that those involved in the illegal trade would be pursued, stressing the importance of protecting public health and legitimate businesses.
Residents who believe a business may be selling illegal cigarettes or vapes are encouraged to report concerns to Leicestershire Trading Standards
