Illegal vape and tobacco offences lead to £400,000 confiscation order

A Chester shop owner has been ordered to pay £400,000, under the Proceeds of Crime Act, after repeatedly selling illegal vaping and tobacco products in breach of the law.

At Chester Crown Court, the sole director of Mosh News Trading Ltd, which traded as City News and Vape Hut, was sentenced after pleading guilty to multiple offences identified during Trading Standards inspections at premises on Bridge Street, Chester.

More than 2,800 illegal vaping devices were seized during the first inspection alone, many exceeding legal nicotine limits several times over.

Despite the business receiving advice, further enforcement action followed and officers discovered additional non-compliant vapes and illicit tobacco products — including items hidden in concealed areas and locked storage.

The court heard that offending continued even after the defendant claimed to have learnt his lesson. Judge Everett said he was “very unimpressed” that further illegal activity took place shortly after the defendant had spoken to probation, highlighting concerns about honesty and compliance.

While custody was not considered appropriate, the court imposed significant financial penalties, including fines across multiple offences regarding illegal vapes, totalling £3,000, and a confiscation order of £400,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act. The defendant has six months to pay.

The court also made clear that the premises will now be considered a legitimate target for future enforcement activity.

Judge Everett highlighted the wider public health risks associated with illegal vapes and stressed that retailers must understand and comply with the law.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Director of Environment and Communities, Maria Byrne, said:

“In this case, thousands of illegal products were seized, and the offender now faces a £400,000 confiscation order on top of fines. That is a significant financial penalty that reflects the seriousness of these offences.

“Illegal vapes can pose real risks to people’s health, and we will not tolerate businesses putting profit before public safety.

“Our Trading Standards team will continue to take firm action. If you are breaking the law, you can expect to be caught, and you can expect the consequences.”