A hidden basement room at a Woolwich mobile phone shop has been uncovered by police and council officers, leading to the seizure of hundreds of illegal and unsafe products.
A secret room hidden inside a Woolwich shop has been uncovered by police and council officers, leading to the seizure of hundreds of unsafe products, including illegal vapes, dangerous electrical chargers, and counterfeit phone labels.
On 16 October, officers from the Metropolitan Police, working alongside the Royal Borough of Greenwich Trading Standards team, executed a warrant at Cell Fone City in Woolwich. The operation followed a history of non-compliance with safety and trading regulations, as well as suspicions of stolen mobile phones being stored on the premises.
When officers searched the building, they discovered a concealed basement room packed with illegal and unsafe goods.
The council seized:
-
21 illegal vapes without proper safety warnings
-
480 electrical chargers lacking traceability markings and deemed unsafe
-
840 counterfeit Samsung labels, suggesting attempts to falsely brand refurbished or second-hand phones as new
-
193 Princess Aerocraft toys that failed toy safety standards and were poorly manufactured
Police also seized a large number of mobile phones and electronic devices, and all staff members present were arrested. The Met is now applying for a closure order against the business.
Councillor Rachel Taggart-Ryan, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Enforcement, praised the action, saying:
“Our Trading Standards team are committed to taking unsafe products off our streets, so the result of this seizure is a positive one.
The safety and health of our residents is our number one priority, and businesses need to be held accountable if they fail to meet safety standards.
This is not the first time Cell Fone City has failed to comply with regulations, despite the council providing them with guidance and support.”
The business has previously faced enforcement action. In November 2024, officers seized 208 illegal vapes from the same shop, and in May 2025, a staff member allegedly sold a vape to an underage test purchaser.
Residents are being urged to report any suspected illegal trading activity in the borough.
📞 To report illegal goods:
Call the council’s Trading Standards team on 020 8921 8157 or email tradingstandards@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.
💻 To report anonymously:
Visit the London Trading Standards website.
Public Consultation Opens as Lidl Unveils Plans for New Foodstore and Homes on Eltham Hill
New Express Bus Route SL15 Proposed Between Clapham Junction and Eltham
Greenwich to Honour Armed Forces with Remembrance Events Across the Borough
Greenwich Council Wins £500k Boost to Tackle Homelessness
Bexley’s Got Talent 2025 - Natalie Keel Crowned Winner!
