Hartlepool shop worker convicted of selling counterfeit tobacco
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 00:13 · Archive
A Hartlepool supermarket worker admitted selling counterfeit cigarettes to undercover trading standards officers.
Mohammed Tariq Tofiq, 32, formerly of Sheriff Street in Hartlepool, admitted four offences at Teesside Magistrates' Court after selling counterfeit cigarettes to undercover Hartlepool Council trading standards officers on three separate occasions in October 2025. He also admitted possessing counterfeit hand-rolling tobacco with intent to sell. Tofiq pleaded guilty to three offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994 for selling counterfeit cigarettes and one offence of possessing counterfeit tobacco with intent to sell.
He was ordered to pay £1,016 in fines and costs. The European Supermarket, where Tofiq worked, was issued with a closure order following the illegal tobacco sales in November 2025.
Councillor Amanda Napper said the conviction sends a warning to anyone attempting to profit from selling illegal tobacco in Hartlepool. She stated that counterfeit and illicit tobacco undermines law-abiding local businesses and can generate profit that organised crime groups use to finance wider criminal activity. Cllr Napper added that cheap illegal tobacco undermines efforts to reduce smoking and its health harms, and poses a particular threat to children and young people by making tobacco more accessible to those underage.
How it is being reported
- Hartlepool supermarket worker sold counterfeit cigarettes to undercover officersMohammed Tariq Tofiq, 32, was caught selling the counterfeit tobacco on three occasions at the European Supermarket on Murray StreetTeessideLive · 11 Oct, 00:01
- Shop worker caught selling counterfeit tobacco to undercover officers in stingMohammed Tariq Tofiq admitted four offences of selling and possessing counterfeit tobacco after a Trading Standards investigation at European Supermarket in October 2025.The Northern Echo · 10 Oct, 09:24
In this story: Mohammed Tariq Tofiq · Hartlepool Council · European Supermarket · Hartlepool · Teesside Magistrates' Court
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