A HAYES market trader has been found guilty of money laundering and trademark offences at Isleworth Crown Court following a three-day trial.

Harmohan Singh Nangpal, of Langdale Drive, was found in possession of counterfeit and non duty paid tobacco products.

The verdict follows an in depth investigation by Hillingdon Council’s Trading Standards team.

“It is deplorable that Nangpal was selling untested, unregulated and illegal tobacco products to unwitting customers,” said Jonathan Bianco, Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services.

More than £50,000 of proceeds were discovered in Nangpal’s home, including in the toilet, rubbish bin and under a mattress.

Thousands of cigarette packets and 1,000 hand rolling tobacco pouches bearing counterfeit trademarks – including Marlboro, Benson & Hedges and Golden Virginia – were also found in his garage.

The prosecution claimed that Nangpal illegally accumulated the £50,000 by selling counterfeit tobacco and used the proceeds to purchase his home.

The Proceeds of Crime Act will be employed by Hillingdon Council to recover the money Nangpal accumulated by trading counterfeit goods.

Nangpal, who pleaded guilty to possession of counterfeit tobacco and not guilty to money laundering offences, will be sentenced in 2017.

To report the sale of illegal goods contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06.