Two men, Foysal Habib, 44, and Abu Sufian, 50, have been sentenced to suspended prison terms after pleading guilty to selling counterfeit electrical products, including fake electric chargers, on the online marketplace eBay.

Their operation was described by authorities as 'sophisticated' and involved various counterfeit items including fake Apple batteries, Samsung earphones, adapters, and USB cables.

The case was investigated by Tower Hamlets Trading Standards, which led to the confiscation of these fake products during an inspection at the Sundarbon internet café located in Mile End.

Initially, the two men pleaded not guilty; however, they later changed their pleas to guilty in August.

Foysal Habib received a six-month custodial sentence, which has been suspended for two years, while Abu Sufian was sentenced to nine months, also suspended for two years.

The sentencing judge noted Sufian's significant role in the operation, pointing out its sophistication.

Councilor Shafi Ahmed, the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Emergency, commented on the ruling, emphasizing that selling counterfeit goods poses a risk to public safety.

He cited warnings from the London Fire Brigade regarding the potential dangers associated with counterfeit electrical products, which have been linked to serious incidents including injuries and fires in the UK.

Counterfeit products often fail to meet safety regulations, which can endanger consumers.

This situation highlights the ongoing issues related to the sale of counterfeit goods in digital marketplaces.

The Tower Hamlets Trading Standards Team was commended for their efforts in addressing this illicit trade, with hopes that this case serves as a deterrent against future offenses in the region.