Illegal Traders – Fast Solutions for Trading Breaches

On January 18th 2019, Leonardo Viscomi (61), was prosecuted at Lincoln Crown Court for two offences of knowingly allowing his property, European Foods in Lincoln, to be used for criminal activity — namely the sale of illicit tobacco and alcohol.

Judge Watson stated it was clear Mr Viscomi had been notified by Trading Standards of the ongoing illegal activity. He had received extensive correspondence warning of the consequences of continuing to accept rent.

Despite meeting the custody threshold, Mr Viscomi was handed a suspended sentence and ordered to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

A timetable was set for a confiscation hearing under the Proceeds of Crime Act. It’s intended that some or all of the rent Mr Viscomi collected over six years be subject to confiscation.

Andy Wright, Principal Trading Standards Officer for Lincolnshire, stated: “This is the first prosecution of its kind in the UK and serves as a model for enforcement in the East Midlands and beyond.”

Mr Wright added: “We are monitoring other commercial premises linked to illicit goods, and all landlords will be made fully aware of what’s taking place on their property — just as we did in this case.”