A convicted fraudster who saw his fake phone covers flogged to customers in Chester has been fined more than £300,000.

Friduddin Rana made huge profits from importing and selling on counterfeit Apple, Samsung and BlackBerry accessories.

Already convicted and handed a suspended sentence in July 2015, he has now been ordered to pay up.

Rana, of Bury New Road, Prestwich, operated through his company Skyline Accessories.

More than 10,000 fake phone parts were seized from rogue trader Friduddin Rana's store

Cheshire West and Chester Trading Standards triggered an investigation which revealed he was importing the fake phone accessories from China.

The 44-year-old was then selling them on, including supplying The Phone Doctor in the Forum Shopping Centre in Chester in 2012.

Rana was arrested after police raided his Manchester store and seized more than 10,000 counterfeit branded smartphone parts in July 2013.

They also seized more than £120,000 cash from a safe.

Police seized more than £120,000 was seized from fraudster Friduddin Rana's Manchester base

He was then charged with nine offences relating to fraudulent trading, money laundering, and selling and offering for sale counterfeit goods.

Rana was convicted of all counts after a week-long trial at Chester Crown Court in July 2015.

The judge handed down a 21-month suspended sentence and 200 hours of community service.

A Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) hearing was held for him at Chester Crown Court on September 26.

Friduddin Rana made huge profits from importing and selling on counterfeit smartphone parts from China

Rana was ordered to pay £275,000, the huge profit he made from his criminal dealings.

He must also cover £56,239 in council costs, taking the total fine past £330,000.

If he does not pay up within three months he faces three years in prison.

CWaC cabinet member for environment councillor Karen Shore said: “Counterfeiting is not a victimless crime.

More than 10,000 fake phone parts were seized from rogue trader Friduddin Rana's store

“Not only does it take away custom from legitimate, hardworking businesses, but customers who think they are snapping up a bargain can be put at risk by products which do not meet safety standards.

“This case sends out the strong message we will not tolerate the sale of counterfeit goods and will use its powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act to strip offenders of their assets when they are caught and convicted.”

CWaC added they plan to put aside £10,000 of the fine to go towards local community projects.

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