3 Mar 2017

Mobile trader jailed for two years

10:06 pm on 3 March 2017

The owner of a mobile trader has been sentenced to two years in jail after taking money from customers without supplying goods - the first jail sentence in a Commerce Commission case.

Smartphone generic

Photo: 123RF

Flexi Buy owner Vikram Mehta entered into more than 300 consumer credit contracts between 2012 and 2014, but only nine customers received their goods.

He used the income for his personal use, rent on his Auckland apartment and living expenses - including at least $22,000 on a trip to India.

Mehta was sentenced in the Auckland District Court today.

Commissioner Anna Rawlings said the the commission had successfully pursued several cases against mobile traders, but this case was particularly serious.

Ms Rawlings said the jail sentence sent a strong message to traders about failing to meet disclosure obligations.

Mehta intended to appeal against his sentence.