East London man sentenced over illegal meat trade
Published: 20 November 2025
An East London man has been sentenced following a major investigation into the illegal production and distribution of “smokies” — sheep carcasses prepared in unhygienic and unregulated conditions for human consumption.
The investigation, led by Redbridge Council in partnership with the Food Standards Agency’s National Food Crime Unit (NFCU), uncovered an illegal cutting plant operating without registration as a food business. The meat was found to be prepared in unsanitary conditions and deemed unfit for human consumption.
Mr Arfan Sultan, of Albert Road, Ilford, was found in possession of a vehicle containing 1.6 tonnes of smokies and was involved in their processing and supply. Smokies are made by singeing the fleece of illegally slaughtered sheep with blow torches, giving the meat a smoked flavour. This practice is illegal in the UK due to serious food safety concerns, including the absence of veterinary oversight and the use of unapproved premises.
Mr Sultan pleaded guilty to eight offences under Regulation 19 of the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013. On 14 November 2025, Snaresbrook Crown Court sentenced him to 16 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, 240 hours of unpaid work, and ordered him to pay £3,000 in costs.
Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, said: “I’m pleased our Food Safety team, alongside the National Food Crime Unit, were able to intervene in this case and protect the health of our residents. The production and processing of meat in this manner is illegal because we cannot guarantee it is safe for consumption.
“This sentencing marks the end of a long and determined investigation to hold a food criminal to account. This individual operated with complete disregard for public health, motivated solely by greed.
“Consumers have a right to trust the safety of their food. We are grateful to our officers and to the NFCU for their tireless efforts in exposing this criminal enterprise. The sentence handed down sends a clear message: this type of illegal enterprise will not be tolerated.”
Neil Castle, Deputy Head of the National Food Crime Unit, added: “The sentence handed down to Mr Sultan reflects the serious nature of these offences. The NFCU, in partnership with police and Redbridge Council, worked on an investigation into food hygiene-related offences and the illegal slaughter of sheep and goats. By working closely with our partners, we were able to remove a large quantity of unfit meat from the human food chain.
“Because of the way they are made, smokies breach food safety law and often animal welfare legislation. If you suspect that smokie meat is being sold, contact your local Trading Standards or Environmental Health Team".
“We’d urge anyone who has suspicions or concerns about smokies or food fraud to discuss it with us confidentially on 0800 028 1180.”
All first points of contact with Trading Standards must now go through the CitizensAdvice Consumer Service. They can be reached on 0808 223 1133 or via the Citizens Advice website.
The service provides guidance on resolving consumer issues and refers criminal matters to the relevant Trading Standards authority for further investigation.
