Spanish Civil Guard Dismantles Major Counterfeiting Ring in Canary Islands
Spanish Civil Guard authorities have dismantled a major counterfeiting ring in the Canary Islands, seizing 70,000 illicit items and assets worth millions in an operation that led to charges against 19 individuals.
The Civil Guard has dismantled a major counterfeiting ring in the Canary Islands, a crackdown dubbed "Operation Label" that reveals the growing sophistication of industrial piracy in the region. Authorities seized 70,000 fake items with an estimated retail value of nearly seven million euros.
The operation, led by the Fiscal Analysis and Investigation Unit (UDAIFF) of Tenerife South Airport with support from teams in Tenerife North and La Palma, involved inspections of twenty businesses. Following a lengthy investigation, 19 people are now facing charges related to industrial property crimes.
A key breakthrough occurred in the south of Tenerife, where officers discovered a clandestine logistics center. The site was equipped with industrial screen-printing machines, presses, and laser printers used to manufacture counterfeit clothing for local shops. Beyond the fake textiles, handbags, and accessories, police seized 22,000 euros in cash, along with jewelry and gold bars worth over 300,000 euros.
A judicial expert confirmed the items were fakes, proving a clear violation of trademark laws. These illicit operations harm legitimate businesses, damage consumer trust, and create unfair competition in the retail market.
Police have highlighted the importance of shutting down such a significant production hub. Moving forward, authorities plan to increase awareness campaigns about the dangers of buying counterfeit goods, responding to growing concerns from the public and business owners. Operation Label is part of a broader, ongoing effort by security forces to combat a black market that involves significant sums of money and requires constant legal and technical oversight.