A former Portsmouth shop owner has been ordered to pay over £27,000 following his conviction for trading counterfeit tobacco products from his Fratton store.
Salar Karim Karam, who previously operated Fratton Food Store, received a Proceeds of Crime Act Confiscation Order worth £27,260.20 at Portsmouth Crown Court on Wednesday 11 June 2025.
The confiscation order relates to Karam’s involvement in distributing more than 45,000 illegal and counterfeit cigarettes through his Portsmouth premises. He must settle the payment within three months or face a 12-month prison sentence.
Portsmouth City Council’s Trading Standards department, which pursued the legal action, was awarded £5,248.28 in costs following the successful prosecution.
The case stems from an earlier conviction where Karam and staff members from Fratton Food Store were found guilty of their roles in the supply of counterfeit and smuggled tobacco products. Trading Standards subsequently conducted a financial investigation to determine the profits generated from these illegal activities.
Financial investigations continue into the second store owner, Ali Kader Ismil, with proceedings still ongoing.
Councillor Lee Hunt, Portsmouth City Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Leisure, and Sport, emphasised the authority’s commitment to tackling criminal trading activities.
“Portsmouth City Council will utilise every legal avenue available to pursue those engaged in criminal trading practices,” Cllr Hunt stated. “Our dedicated and experienced Trading Standards team continuously investigates businesses and individuals who violate trading laws. Those involved in selling counterfeit goods and tobacco products face severe consequences when caught.”
The council’s trading standards unit operates to safeguard residents from dishonest traders whilst ensuring business compliance with regulations. The team employs specially trained tobacco detection dogs to locate illegal tobacco products across Portsmouth premises, often acting on intelligence from residents or legitimate businesses.
Members of the public who suspect local businesses of supplying illicit tobacco can report concerns via trading.standards@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. Additional information is available by searching ‘trading standards’ at portsmouth.gov.uk.
Portsmouth residents seeking support to quit smoking can access the council’s free wellbeing service at www.wellbeingportsmouth.co.uk or by calling 023 9229 4001.
