The Civil Guard has seized 13,080 counterfeit products valued at over one million euros in an operation targeting street markets, commercial establishments, and access routes to tourist areas in Alicante province.
The operation, part of “Operation Summer 2024” conducted between July and September, aimed to curb the sale of counterfeit products, spurred by international sporting events like the European Championship, Copa América, and the Paris Olympic Games.
Seized items included football kits, leather goods, lighters, and other branded consumer products.
Operations in Tourist and Urban Areas
During July and August, the Fiscal and Border Patrol of Calpe, the Fiscal Detachment of Denia, Citizen Security officers from the Civil Guard of Calpe, and the Main Guardia Civil Post of Torrevieja intensified efforts in high-tourist markets.
In Benidorm, La Cala de Villajoyosa, and Denia, actions led to interventions at thirteen market stalls.
In Calpe and Torrevieja, controls were carried out on beaches and promenades. In Torrevieja alone, over 350 counterfeit products, including sports equipment, bags, and sunglasses, were seized, leading to the investigation of three men aged 35-56 for crimes against industrial property.
Provincial Actions
In Benidorm, inspections were conducted in three commercial establishments. In Calpe, interventions at thirteen market stalls and four street vendors resulted in the removal of 7,535 counterfeit items. In Crevillente, the Civil Guard, in coordination with Local Police, seized 6,288 counterfeit products from two establishments, investigating two men aged 49 and 54.
Results of the Operation
The operation has removed 13,080 counterfeit products from the illegal market, addressing serious fraud and unfair competition. Seized items include 3,713 sports kits, 3,822 leather goods and textiles, and over 6,200 counterfeit lighters.
To date, 25 people of various nationalities, including Pakistani, Indian, Spanish, Senegalese, Moroccan, and Chinese, have been investigated and charged with crimes against industrial property related to the sale of counterfeit products.
