THE mastermind behind a major counterfeit vodka scam has been told to pay back £80,000 he made from the crime.
Blidworth man Kevin Eddishaw is currently serving seven years in jail after customs officers found 9,000 fake bottles of Glen's vodka in a September 2009 raid.
Five other gang members were also convicted for their part in the plot, which involved the hidden stash and factory at Moscow Farm near Great Dalby, Leicestershire.
Besides the fake vodka officers also found manufacturing equipment, bottles and counterfeit packaging including labels and cardboard boxes.
After an application by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), Eddishaw was told at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday he must pay back £80,000 or face an extra 15 months in prison.
Richard Meadows, assistant director of criminal investigation for HMRC, said: "Our investigations do not stop with the sentencing of those involved in fraud. We look to deprive criminals of any material gain from their crimes.
"This was a substantial production, bottling and distribution plant with the infrastructure to distribute large quantities of counterfeit Glen's vodka throughout the country.
"But it was set up without any thought for the safety of those working there or in the area nearby. 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."
He added: "The revenue loss to the UK on this haul alone was £1.5 million."
Eddishaw, 54, of Rainworth Lodge, admitted conspiracy to cheat the revenue in November 2011.
HMIC said he was the principal gang member and mastermind behind the plot.