58,000 fake goods worth 22 million euros seized in the province of Tenerife

The Guardia Civil has confiscated 58,000 fake and counterfeit items valued at 22 million euros in the province of Santa Cruz de Tenerife. The seized goods include clothing, handbags, wallets, belts, footwear, sunglasses, perfumes, toys, and the metal logos of several well-known brands with the tools to put them on items.

As part of Operation “IMITA,” 84 people are being investigated for industrial property crimes, and a total of 80 shops across Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera, and El Hierro were inspected, according to a statement from the Guardia Civil released on Sunday.

Operation Overview:

The operation began in January when the Guardia Civil started surveillance on various commercial establishments throughout the western islands. During these inspections, they discovered a large number of counterfeit products being sold in shops to the public.

Once the establishments were identified, a coordinated effort was made to conduct simultaneous inspections to stop shop owners tipping each other off about the police searches.

Results of the Operation:

First Phase:

• 24,500 counterfeit items were seized.

• 39 people were identified and investigated.

• Numerous shops were inspected.

Second Phase:

• Over 33,500 high-end branded counterfeit items were seized, valued at nearly 16 million euros.

• 45 people were investigated.

• 39 shops and four vans dedicated to selling counterfeit high-end branded items were inspected.

Judicial Collaboration:

During these searches and inspections, the agents collaborated with a judicial expert in brand authenticity, who confirmed that the items being sold were indeed counterfeits.

The Guardia Civil highlighted that some of the seized children's items had not undergone necessary quality controls, posing safety risks for young users.

This operation marks the second major crackdown on industrial property crimes by the Guardia Civil in less than a year.

The operation was executed by the Fiscal and Border Analysis Unit (UDAIFF) of the Fiscal Section of Tenerife North and South Airports, along with members of the Fiscal and Border Patrols (PAFIF) from the territorial companies, and agents from the Organic Unit of Judicial Police.