Fake vodka gang jailed
Five men who masterminded a major counterfeit vodka manufacturing plant in Leicestershire have been sentenced to a total of almost 18 years in prison.
A sixth man will be sentenced on 5 December 2011, said HM Revenue & Customs, which carried out raids on the industrial site in September 2009.
The plot was uncovered in an "unregulated and fire hazardous industrial unit", said Simon De Kayne, assistant director of criminal investigation for HMRC.
The agency said 9,000 bottles of fake vodka, branded as Glen’s, were seized in the raid. Manufacturing equipment, bottles and counterfeit packaging were also taken at the remote industrial unit at Moscow Farm near Great Dalby, Leicestershire.
Hull Crown Court heard there was "a complete lack of any fire safety measures in the unit posing a serious and life threatening hazard". The alcohol vapour alone could have triggered a major explosion if the lights had been switched on or a naked flame or cigarette had been lit, said HMRC.
Evidence showed that at least a further 165,000 bottles of fake vodka were manufactured at Moscow Farm during 2008 and 2009.
HMRC officers had seized the same illicit vodka from shops in Salford, London and South Wales. Forensic analysis showed it was a positive match for the vodka seized at Moscow Farm.
All defendants were charged with conspiracy to cheat the Revenue.
Kevin Eddishaw of 1 Handford Court, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty. John Mark Humphreys of 1 Main Street, Upton, Newark, Nottinghamshire, was found guilty and both were sentenced to seven years in prison.
James Fyfe, of 4 Furlong Avenue, Arnold, Nottingham, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to sixteen months in prison.
Mark Timothy Gyles, of 127 Belleville Drive, Nottingham, was found guilty and was sentenced to 12 months suspended for a year. He must also carry out 300 hours of unpaid work. Michael James Matthews, of 27 Stanley Grove, Weston Super Mare, Somerset, was found guilty and was sentenced to 18 months in prison.
