Trading standards team praised for tackling scams and rogue traders

A recent council meeting heard a report delving into the workload undertaken by Portsmouth City Council’s trading standards (PTS) team.

Trading standards seeks to protect consumers from scams and unsafe products while ensuring businesses comply with fair trading regulations.

Last year, PTS were crowned Team Commendation Winners at the anti-counterfeiting group enforcement awards.

The report notes that the average caseload for PTS is 30. At the time of writing, PTS has 18 investigations, of which six are tobacco or vape related, three involve counterfeit goods, two are product safety matters, and seven relate to doorstep crime, alongside three prosecutions and five Proceeds of Crime cases.

PTS now prioritises civil referrals to HMRC rather than criminal proceedings, enabling quicker financial penalties and more effective deterrence.

This shift is due to the time and resources required for criminal cases, particularly where offenders evade enforcement by changing ownership, using proxy operators, or dissolving and reopening businesses.

Case study – OP Hotel

A major fraud investigation into Shelley Simpson, the former director of Sphere Events, who was accused of fraudulent trading, false representation and forgery.

The company, which operated from a home address between 2019 and 2022, sold discounted holidays and events.

While some bookings were honoured, dozens of customers were left without trips, refunds, or communication when the business collapsed in September 2022.

Trading Standards received more than 90 complaints, with confirmed losses exceeding £200,000 and total estimated losses nearing £400,000.

Investigators said she misled customers about industry connections and used forged documents, emails and payment records to cover up unpaid bookings and secure further funds.

The case includes over 10,000 pages of evidence. It is currently progressing through the courts, with discussions ongoing that may avoid a lengthy trial scheduled for April 2026.

Simpson, of Westwood Road, Hilsea, has admitted one count of fraudulent trading. The 46-year-old will be sentenced in May.

Operation Ridge Tile

This multi-agency investigation, led by Portsmouth Trading Standards, targets organised rogue trading and suspected money laundering affecting “vulnerable residents” across Portsmouth and surrounding areas.

The group is alleged to use deceptive and fraudulent business practices to extract large sums from victims, many of whom have safeguarding needs.

Although still at an early stage, more than 15 victims have been identified, with losses already exceeding £300,000 – including one individual defrauded of over £150,000.

PCC v ISMIL and Karam

This case demonstrates PTS’s use of the Proceeds of Crime Act to recover profits from criminal activity.

Mr Ismil was convicted at trial in 2024 of supplying illegal tobacco from Fratton Food Stores. His co-defendants, Karam and Ali, had pleaded guilty earlier.

Mr Ismil was found to have benefited by £269,000, though only £53,480 was recoverable. The court ordered this amount with a 12-month default sentence if unpaid – it was paid within three months.

Karam’s confiscation hearing in June 2025 resulted in a £27,784 order, also with a 12-month default sentence if unpaid, which he settled within the period.

Councillor Lee Hunt, cabinet member for community wellbeing, thanked the “highly skilled and dedicated teams” for protecting communities in Portsmouth.

He expressed frustration at what he described as “whack-a-mole” behaviour, where rogue traders reappear after one is dealt with, and said the game will continue until there are changes in the law.

Cllr Hannah Brent praised the work as “Reassuring to residents of Portsmouth” and highlighted directors’ comments that PTS “delivers exceptional, forward-thinking services”.

Cllr George Madgwick said: “It’s great to see really successful results and that residents have a point of contact to get some action.”