Bob Shops 'a front for money laundering' - court told

JUDGE: 'THE PUBLIC KNOWS WHAT'S REALLY GOING ON'

- CARL JACKSON

BOB Shops across Birmingham are being used as a 'front for money laundering by organised crime gangs, a court has heard.

It is understood 15 of the stores throughout the city are either under investigation or have been prosecuted for selling illegal cigarettes and vapes, following a joint operation by police, Trading Standards and immigration enforcement.

Asif Khan became the latest shopkeeper to be punished for selling hundreds of illicit products in relation to Bob Shop 6 on Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook.

The 33-year-old asylum seeker from Afghanistan was also quizzed over his immigration status after admitting he had separated from the British citizen he had married.

Khan, of Crocketts Road, Handsworth, admitted three trade marks offences, four breaches of tobacco regulations, two consumer protection charges and a further charge under the Proceeds of Crime Act, although he maintained his claim that he did not know the items seized from his shop were illegal.