Shopkeeper sentenced after selling illegal cigarettes across three counties

Ismail Amin, a shopkeeper in Boston, Lincolnshire, has been sentenced to three years and eight months in prison for selling illegal cigarettes and vapes across multiple counties. His shop was raided in February 2023, revealing illicit products worth £3,000, some hidden in an electronic 'hide' disguised as a wall. Amin's illegal activities also extended to Birmingham and Derbyshire, contributing to a network of unlawful trade. The principal trading standards officer highlighted the dangers of illegal products, which often do not comply with safety regulations and can exacerbate anti-social behavior. Amin was ordered to pay £20,000 in costs, and authorities emphasized that such shops are linked to broader criminal activities, including illegal working. The incident forms part of a larger crackdown on illicit goods, with significant seizures reported in Lincolnshire recently.