It's nice to be a headline writer when the opportunity to tell the truth is also an opportunity to mislead and confuse. The headline is true, but it's not what you think. Read on to find out why.

HM Revenue and Customs in the UK is responsible for the collection of all manner of taxes and duties, including those on alcoholic drinks produced for resale.

When HMRC raided an industrial unit at a complex called Moscow Farm in a rural area near Great Dalby in Leicestershire, they found "an unregulated and fire hazardous" factory producing vodka branded as "Glen's." That's a real brand, produced by Glen Catrine Bonded Warehouse in Scotland from sugar beet.

But there have been a number of complaints through both official and unofficial channels that consumers have bought the brand only to find it falling somewhat short of what they were expecting. The presence of fake product on the market appears to be quite widely recognised, according to a quick search engine enquiry.

The factory was deemed excessively dangerous: The court was told that there was a complete lack of any fire safety measures in the unit posing 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, said prosecutors.

But it was the hazards to public health and the loss to the Exchequer that really raised eyebrows: "“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. The revenue loss to the Exchequer on this haul alone was £1.5 million," says Simon De Kayne, Assistant Director of Criminal Investigation for HMRC.

His Honour Judge J Sampson said, sentencing, said "There are five areas of specific concern. The high loss to the taxpayer; the duping of the public; the danger to the public, particularly as bleach was added; the undermining of the genuine brand and danger to the workforce in the factory.”

The bottles of vodka seized featured professionally printed labels, duty stamps and bottle tops – all of which were counterfeit. Analysis of a sample bottle showed raised levels of methanol. In high quantities methanol 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. Denatured alcohol is used as a solvent and contains hundreds of additives. It is coloured purple to distinguish it from drinkable alcohol and is not fit for human consumption. Bleach was used by the gang to remove the colouring to make it clear before diluting to the required strength.

Evidence showed that at least a further 165,000 bottles of fake vodka were manufactured at Moscow Farm during 2008 and 2009. They had been distributed to independent stores across the UK. HMRC officers had seized the same illicit vodka from shops in Salford, London and South Wales. Forensic analysis showed it was a positive match for the vodka seized at Moscow Farm.

• Kevin Eddishaw, (DOB 28.12.57), of 1 Handford Court, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to seven years in prison. Eddishaw was the principal gang member who masterminded the plot. He pleaded guilty after the jury had been sworn in. The Judge directed the jury to find Eddishaw guilty.

• John Mark Humphreys, (DOB 23.08.65), of 1 Main Street, Upton, Newark, Nottinghamshire, was found guilty and was sentenced to seven years in prison. Humphreys was Eddishaw’s right hand man and lieutenant in the plot.

• James Fyfe, (DOB 21.05.60), of 4 Furlong Avenue, Arnold, Nottingham, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to sixteen months in prison. Fyfe was the site foreman of Moscow Farm.

• Mark Timothy Gyles, (DOB 03.03.63), of 127 Belleville Drive, Nottingham, was found guilty and was sentenced to 12 months suspended for twelve months. He must also carry out 300 hours of unpaid work. Gyles was one of the drivers transporting the goods.

• Michael James Matthews, (DOB 11.11.55), of 27 Stanley Grove, Weston Super Mare, Somerset, was found guilty and was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Matthews was a printer who procured supplies of counterfeit labels and boxes.