The National Police has dismantled a network of businesses suspected of introducing 2,000 tonnes of counterfeit football apparel, luxury bags, footwear, watches, and high-end smartphones into Europe since 2023. This operation has resulted in the arrest of 73 individuals, while investigations continue regarding 19 others.
During the operation, which was coordinated by Europol and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), 34 inspections were conducted across Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Zaragoza, the Balearic Islands, Murcia, Tarragona, Guadalajara, Cádiz, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The agents successfully seized 300,000 items, according to the General Directorate of Police.
The confiscated goods weigh approximately 117,000 kilograms and have a market value estimated at 12.5 million euros.
The investigation commenced in May 2023 as part of ongoing surveillance on criminal organisations and groups operating in Europe, which were believed to be involved in the manufacturing and distribution of counterfeit products. This led to the identification of certain European companies based in Spain that were heavily engaged in the importation of large quantities of counterfeit clothing and accessories from China.
This operation falls in a year marked by various significant sporting events such as the European Championship in Germany and the Paris Olympic Games, providing favourable opportunities for the purchase of apparel for football clubs and teams.
In addition to the imports from Asia, the network was responsible for distributing counterfeit items and their subsequent sale in tourist areas and cities within the European Union, utilising social media profiles and websites as platforms.
The counterfeit products were accompanied by forged certificates of authenticity and warranty.
Investigators traced the companies responsible for importing the counterfeit materials from China to Germany and the Netherlands. They also uncovered the methods used to smuggle the items through European airports and ports, as well as their dispatch to various countries for sale and distribution.
As a result of this inquiry, various stores involved in the sale of counterfeit products, particularly in coastal regions and the centres of Spain’s largest cities, were identified.
During the searches, officials also confiscated tools that the criminal network used to enhance fake products, making them appear authentic, along with stickers intended for clothing.
Those detained face charges of alleged crimes against industrial property, whilst investigations remain pending to identify and arrest additional suspects connected to the ring who have not yet been located in Spain.
