Investigators searching a counterfeiter's home discovered thousands of fake car key fobs. Guy Johnson, 56, pleaded guilty to selling counterfeit key fobs and trademark infringement under the Trade Mark Act 1994. The offences spanned September 2021 to September 2023, and the prosecution followed an investigation by Cornwall Council's Trading Standards.
Johnson, who operated under the account name Express Key Fobs, sold counterfeit fobs online bearing trademarks of major manufacturers such as Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, BMW, Volkswagen and Stellantis brands. He sold them from his home, where a warrant was executed in September 2023. Officers seized thousands of counterfeit items, including key fobs and trademark badges, intended for sale.
His Honour Judge Simon Carr determined the loss to manufacturers at approximately £676,000. Johnson, of Chyvelah Ope near Truro, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentencing on Wednesday (August 26). Judge Carr called the offending "extremely serious” and handed Johnson 15 months in prison for each of seven charges, to run concurrently, suspended for two years.
Councillor Thalia Marrington, cabinet member 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."
Fake Key Fobs for Ford, BMW, VW and Jaguar Land Rover Seized