A MAN who sold fake key fobs has been prosecuted after thousands of counterfeit items were seized from his home in Cornwall.

Following an investigation by Cornwall Council's Trading Standards, Guy Johnson, of Chyvelah Ope in Truro, pleaded guilty to offences relating to the sale of counterfeit car key fobs and trademark infringement under the Trade Mark Act 1994 committed between September 2021 and September 2023.

The investigation found that Johnson, who traded through accounts known as Express Key Fobs, had been selling counterfeit vehicle key fobs through online marketplaces bearing the trademarks of major vehicle manufacturers, including Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, Volkswagen and Stellantis brands.

His criminal operation was conducted from his home address, where Trading Standards officers seized thousands of counterfeit items, including key fobs and trademark badges intended for sale, during the execution of a warrant in September 2023.

His Honour Judge Simon Carr determined that Johnson, 56, had caused a loss to the vehicle manufacturers at the value of approximately £676,000.

Johnson appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentencing on Wednesday, August 26. Describing the offending as "extremely serious”, Judge Carr sentenced him to 15 months in prison for each of the seven charges, to run concurrently, suspended for two years.

Councillor Thalia Marrington, cabinet member responsible for community safety and public health at Cornwall Council, said: "The outcome of this case sends a clear message that counterfeit goods and fraudulent trading will not be tolerated in Cornwall.

“The scale and duration of this offending was significant, with counterfeit goods being sold online over a number of years.

“Counterfeiting undermines reputable businesses and damages consumer confidence. Our Trading Standards team will take robust action against traders who engage in this type of criminal activity."