The Guardia Civil seizes over €1.5 million in counterfeit goods
The Guardia Civil have uncovered a massive network of counterfeit goods circulating across the Canary Islands, seizing 31,885 fake products with a combined value of more than €1.5 million. The items were confiscated as part of four European-wide operations (Fake Star, Aphrodite VI, Ludus and Elektron), all carried out between June and November and targeting both online sellers and physical points of sale.
According to investigators, the scale of the seizures shows how widely counterfeit goods have spread across the islands, from street stalls to social media pages. Officers from the Fiscal Units of Vecindario and Santa María de Guía worked alongside specialist teams and industrial property experts, whose assessments were essential for proving the offences.
Fake Star focused on fake clothing and footwear imitating major European brands. Seven inspections resulted in the removal of nearly eleven thousand counterfeit items, valued at almost one million euros, and nine people are now under investigation. Officers say these goods often reach consumers through “fast and flashy” online ads, hiding the fact that they are poor-quality imitations with no safety guarantees.
Elektron turned the spotlight on the world of fake electronics, where thousands of counterfeit chargers, cables and accessories were found. These items were being promoted heavily through e-commerce platforms and social networks, despite posing clear safety hazards. Two inspections uncovered more than six thousand fake electronic products worth over €400,000, many of them lacking essential safety checks.
One of the most concerning findings came from Operation Ludus. Officers discovered thousands of counterfeit toys and products with no EU approval, no Spanish instructions and no CE marking. Investigators warn that these toys, many imported from China, could be hazardous due to missing safety controls, potential toxic materials or small detachable parts. Two inspections resulted in the seizure of more than thirteen thousand toys and the investigation of two people.
Aphrodite IV targeted the beauty and personal care sector, where officers found more than a thousand perfumes and cosmetic items that failed to meet European regulations. Many lacked basic labelling, had no identifiable distributor, or failed to specify safety information such as the period of safe use after opening. The goods were valued at nearly €56,000.
Authorities stress that counterfeiting is not a harmless crime. Fake goods undermine legitimate businesses, deceive consumers, and can cause real harm, particularly when involving electronics, perfumes, or items intended for children. The Guardia Civil confirms that operations will continue across the archipelago to dismantle supply chains and stop dangerous products from reaching the public.
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