Full Breakdown
Vinyl Forger Sentenced After £2.7 million Counterfeit Operation Is Dismantled
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The Counterfeit Vinyl Operation Uncovered
Rehan Ahmed, 40, of Cranleigh Gardens in Southall, West London, ran an unlicensed vinyl-pressing business called “Phoenix of Vinyl” from a warehouse in Acton. Police raids in February 2024, triggered by a test purchase by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), uncovered the UK’s largest cache of fake records. Investigators seized 2,791 counterfeit discs representing 108 artists, four 70-year-old presses, about 3,000 metal stampers, and thousands of sleeves and centre labels – roughly 18 tonnes of material.
Background: Vinyl’s Resurgence Fuels Illicit Trade
Vinyl sales have risen year on year, with BPI data showing physical-music revenue of £250 million in 2025 and vinyl alone generating £174.7 million, its highest level in three decades. The booming market has attracted counterfeiters targeting collectors and fans.
Scale of the Seizure and Financial Impact
Reports differ on Ahmed’s earnings: the Independent cites “£2.7 million” over seven years; LBC specifies “£2,743,000” from 2017-2024. The operation reproduced works by the Beatles, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, Adele, Ariana Grande, Bad Bunny, Drake, Beyoncé, Rihanna and others. Record labels confirmed every title infringed copyright.
Legal Outcome
Ahmed was found guilty at Inner London Crown Court and sentenced on September 18 to three years and six months in prison. The conviction follows an investigation by the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) of the City of London Police.
Official Statements & Responses
- Peter Ratcliffe, BPI director of content protection, called the conviction “hugely significant” and thanked PIPCU and label members for their collaborative effort.
- BPI officials noted the seizure will not recover the “tens of millions of pounds” estimated to have been taken from artists, labels and retailers, but the case sends a clear signal to other counterfeiters.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Rehan Ahmed exploited artists and the wider music industry, taking advantage of the resurgence in vinyl records for his own gain.” — City of London Police
- “ Peter Ratcliffe, BPI director of content protection, said: "This conviction is hugely significant and we thank our partners in this investigation, PIPCU and our label members for their valued efforts over many months to bring about this welcome outcome.” — Peter Ratcliffe, BPI
Data & Statistics
- Seized items: 2,791 counterfeit records, 108 artists, 4 presses, ~3,000 stampers, 18 tonnes of material.
- Financial gain: Reported earnings range from £2.7 million to £2,743,000.
- Physical-music market: £250 million total revenue (2025); vinyl revenue £174.7 million, up 19.9 % YoY.
Why It Matters
Counterfeit vinyl undermines artists’ royalties and harms legitimate retailers, while also funding broader criminal activity. With streaming royalties often under a penny per play, physical sales remain a vital income stream for musicians. The case shows how organized crime can exploit niche market revivals, prompting law-enforcement agencies to prioritize intellectual-property enforcement.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Earnings figure: Independent and Metro describe Ahmed’s profit as “£2.7 million” (or “over £2,700,000”), while LBC provides a more precise “£2,743,000.”
- Exact date of the raid: Sources agree the raid occurred in February 2024, but no specific day is given.
No further scheduled hearings or follow-up actions were disclosed.