Summary
- The Spanish Civil Guard is investigating 25 individuals for selling counterfeit goods in Alicante.
- Over 13,000 fake products were seized, with a market value exceeding one million euros.
- The operation targeted popular tourist areas like Benidorm, Dénia, and Torrevieja.
- The crackdown on counterfeit goods was intensified due to major international sporting events.
Guardia Civil Targets Counterfeit Goods in Alicante: 25 Individuals Under Investigation
The Guardia Civil has launched a significant operation in Alicante, focusing on combating the sale of counterfeit merchandise. A total of 25 individuals are currently under investigation for violations related to industrial property rights. This operation has led to the confiscation of an astounding 13,080 counterfeit items, which were found in various markets, retail stores, and at popular tourist access points in locations such as Benidorm, Dénia, and Torrevieja. The total estimated value of these counterfeit products exceeds one million euros.
Details of the Operation
Conducted between July and September, this operation primarily aimed to halt the sale of counterfeit products in the region. The urgency of the matter was heightened by international sporting events like the Euro Cup, Copa América, and the upcoming Paris Olympics that sparked an increased demand for sports-related merchandise.
Locations Impacted
The operation encompassed a wide area, including:
- Benidorm
- Dénia
- Calp
- Torrevieja
- Crevillent
Types of Counterfeit Products Seized
Here’s a brief overview of the counterfeit items confiscated:
| Type of Product | Quantity Seized |
|---|---|
| Sports Equipment | 3,713 |
| Leather and Textile Articles | 3,822 |
| Fake Lighters | 6,200+ |
Methodology and Enforcement
The Guardia Civil intensified monitoring during the summer months, specifically targeting weekly markets and tourist-heavy areas. Inspections were carried out at various points of sale, leading to the successful confiscation of counterfeit goods.
- Benidorm and Dénia: 13 vendor stalls were inspected.
- Calp and Torrevieja: Checkpoints were established along beaches and seafronts.
- Inspections in Commercial Outlets: Over 350 products were seized in Torrevieja alone.
Legal Consequences for Offenders
As a result of these operations, 20 individuals aged between 26 and 56 have been identified as key suspects in these industrial property crimes. In Torrevieja, three additional suspects aged 35 to 56 are under careful scrutiny.
In Crevillent, local police assisted the Guardia Civil in conducting inspections that led to the seizure of 6,288 counterfeit items from two commercial establishments. Two men, ages 49 and 54, were also investigated for their involvement in these criminal activities.
Conclusion
The ongoing efforts of the Guardia Civil in Alicante highlight the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and combating the counterfeit market. As counterfeit goods pose a threat not only to legitimate businesses but also endanger consumer safety, this operation underscores the need for continued vigilance in enforcing laws against counterfeiting.
For more information, you can read the full report on El Plural (opens in a new tab).