The Guardia Civil has dismantled a major luxury counterfeiting operation in the south of Tenerife which has resulted in the seizure of nearly 48,000 metal logos and badges from high-end brands ready for assembly, as well as more than 31,000 counterfeit luxury items, collectively valued at approximately €32 million in the current market.
The bust was part of operation 'Aulestia', aimed at combating crimes against industrial property, and is the third such campaign in less than a year, with previous operations in September and January seizing a combined total of 136,000 counterfeit items valued at over €53 million.
The investigation began when agents discovered large quantities of counterfeit goods stored for wholesale distribution in three warehouses in Los Cristianos. Through discreet surveillance, they gathered enough evidence to get search warrants without giving the distributors any prior warning.
During the searches, the Guardia Civil, with the assistance of a forensic trademark expert, confirmed the items were counterfeit. The operation culminated in the seizure of goods with a total market value approaching €32 million. Two people have been investigated as alleged perpetrators of crimes against industrial property.
One of the suspects is a well-known figure in the counterfeit goods sector, responsible for large-scale wholesale distribution of fake products sold in street markets, shops, and by individuals on the streets known as ‘looky looky men’.
The Guardia Civil has reiterated its commitment to fighting industrial property crimes and raising consumer awareness about the negative impacts of purchasing counterfeit products. This operation carried out with the authorisation of the competent court and the Provincial Prosecutor's Office of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, highlights the authorities' dedication to addressing and stopping such illegal activities.
