The operation, carried out in collaboration with Interpol, Europol, EUIPO, and OLAF, successfully removed approximately 16 tons of counterfeit merchandise from the market. Authorities estimate the economic damage caused to intellectual property rights holders exceeds seven million euros.
The investigation began in April, prompted by a notable increase in shipments of counterfeit football shirts destined for Spain, coinciding with the approach of the FIFA World Cup 2026. A significant portion of the fakes mimicked kits from national teams participating in the tournament and clubs with international players, including reproductions of the Spanish national team's kit.
The seized products, of inferior quality to the originals, were intended for sale in street markets, illegal stalls, e-commerce platforms, and social media. The organization's logistical infrastructure spanned various Spanish cities, with storage and distribution centers located in Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Elche, and Denia.
Officers conducted searches at over fifteen locations, including industrial warehouses, private residences, and logistics centers of courier and parcel companies. This action is part of the EMPACT program, aimed at combating counterfeiting networks that exploit major international sporting events.
The National Police does not rule out further arrests, as the investigation to identify other individuals involved in the manufacturing and distribution network of these counterfeit kits remains open.
