The image has been released to the Leader by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), who have welcomed Cullen's recent conviction for selling counterfeit goods at Greenfield Sunday Market, and say his case should serve as a warning to others looking to cheat the system.

Cullen, 46, of Greenbank Road, West Kirby, Wirral pleaded guilty at Mold Crown Court earlier this month to a number of charges involving Department for Work and Pensions benefits and intellectual copyright offences.

Cullen, a father of five, had claimed benefits on the basis that he was unable to work due to a back condition. DWP officers launched a major investigation following an anonymous tip-off that market stall holders based at the Greenfield site were working selling counterfeit CDs and DVDs while claiming benefits.

The DWP, working with Trading Standards officers from Wirral and Flintshire Councils, as well as representatives of the music industry, set up 'Operation Buzzard'.

Throughout the operation, investigations revealed that Cullen owned two timeshares in America and had purchased a brand new Mercedes and Nissan cars during the period of his claim. Investigators also established that large sums of money had been paid into his bank account on a regular basis.

Cullen enjoyed a number of holidays in Thailand, where he was staying when police officers searched his home in October 2006.

A large amount of equipment used to make illegal copies of CDs and DVDs and to forge covers was found, together with over £4,500 in cash.

At one stage, officers from three separate police forces were involved in the inquiry.

Cullen was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment for DWP offences and to a further 32 months imprisonment for offences relating to the production of counterfeit CDs and DVDs. He was ordered to pay £130,000 compensation within six months, or serve a further three years in prison.

Speaking outside court after the sentencing Roy Paul, senior operations manager for Merseyside & Cheshire, said: "This was a most complex and thorough investigation which involved highly trained DWP fraud investigators, colleagues from Trading Standards and officers from the music, films and games industry. If you suspect fraud, I would urge you to call the National Benefit Fraud Hotline on 0800 854 440."

Michael Rawlinson, managing director of copyright body ELSPA, said: "The theft of computer and video games software and any other multimedia product by copying it is illegal and has a harmful impact on both local businesses and communities.

"ELSPA would like to applaud the efforts of all partner agencies concerned with Operation Buzzard in what has been a massive collaborative effort to stamp out the illegal duplication and distribution of pirated games."