Suspended sentence and community service for dodgy Walsall seller
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A 36-year-old man has been handed a suspended sentence after being found guilty of selling illegal vapes and tobacco goods in Walsall.
Ari Kerim of Marigold Crescent, Dudley, was sentenced on June 13, 2025 to 44 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months. The hearing took place at Wolverhampton Crown Court in relation to the sale of goods from Gustul Mini Market, Bradford Street, Walsall.
Following complaints that illegal vapes were being sold, Walsall Council Trading Standards officers visited the store in September 2022 and advised owner Mr Kerim of the law relating to vapes and cigarettes. Mr Kerim was ordered to remove the vapes from sale.
Officers remained suspicious that other illegal activity was taking place at the store. A few weeks later, an undercover officer purchased a pack of cigarettes for £3.50 - the cigarettes were examined and found to be counterfeit.
Further undercover purchases of cigarettes, vapes and tobacco were made over the next few months, all of which proved to be counterfeit. On one occasion, a sniffer dog discovered cigarettes concealed in a secret compartment beneath the shop counter.
“ Walsall Council are conducting operations across the borough to remove illegal goods and to keep our residents safe.
“This is just one example of the strong action that we are taking against those who risk the health of our residents. The sale of illegal goods can be used to fund criminal networks and put the health of local people at risk. We will not allow this to happen.
“Protecting our residents is our highest priority and we are determined to keep people safe. Let the severity of this punishment serve as a warning to other traders across Walsall who think that they can get away with illegal activity in our borough.
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Kerim pleaded not guilty to 15 charges of selling counterfeit goods, incorrectly labelled tobacco products and illegal vapes at his trial at Wolverhampton Crown Court sitting at Telford in March this year.
After a three-day trial, the jury found Kerim guilty of all 15 charges.
Kerim was ordered to complete 20 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and 100 hours of unpaid work.
Kerim was also ordered to pay costs of £6,000 and disqualified from sitting as a director of any company for 5 years. All seized counterfeit and illicit tobacco products and vapes will be destroyed. The store is now under new management.
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