Counterfeit Glens Vodka- Fire Risk

‘Lethal’ fire risk in counterfeit Vodka manufacturing plant

Five men have been jailed for a total of nearly 18 years after a court heard how a complete lack of fire safety measures at a counterfeit vodka manufacturing and bottling plant could have quickly developed into a lethal blaze, with workers unlikely to survive.The five were sentenced at Hull crown court on 25 November for conspiracy to cheat HM Revenue & Customs of up to £1.5 million. A sixth man is due to be sentenced next month.

The plot was uncovered by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) when they carried out raids in September 2009. They seized nine thousand bottles of fake vodka, branded as Glen’s, manufacturing equipment, bottles and counterfeit packaging at a remote industrial unit at Moscow Farm near Great Dalby, Leicestershire.

The court was told that the absence of fire safety measures in the unit posed 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.An expert witness in the case said that with the stored alcohol and so much combustible material lying around in the barn, a fire could have started at any time with considerable loss of life.

With only one exit point, anyone inside the building would have been very unlikely to survive the blaze.Simon De Kayne, assistant director of criminal investigation for HM Revenue & Customs, said:"This was a substantial production, bottling and distribution plant with the infrastructure to distribute large quantities of counterfeit Glen´s vodka throughout the country. But it was set up without any thought for the safety of those working there or in the area nearby."The gang were fully aware the counterfeit vodka they manufactured contained highly dangerous chemicals making it unfit for human consumption, but were interested only in making a profit at the expense of British taxpayers.”

According to the prosecution, the bottles of vodka seized had professionally printed labels, duty stamps and bottle tops – all of which were counterfeit. Analysis of a sample bottle showed raised levels of methanol which, in high quantities, can pose health risks.In addition over 25,000 litres of pure denatured alcohol (methylated spirits) was seized, enough to make around 100,000 bottles of vodka.