• The seized products appeared to belong to well-known brands in the textile, toy and other sectors.

• Two people investigated for a crime against industrial property

May 28, 2025.- Officials from the Customs Surveillance Office of the Tax Agency in Extremadura and agents from the National Police, Civil Guard, and Cáceres Local Police, along with a trademark expert, carried out a large-scale joint operation in the city of Cáceres last Monday, as part of Operation Fake. Several stalls set up in the city's fairgrounds were inspected in an effort to detect the sale of counterfeit goods. This operation is aimed at protecting industrial property rights and protecting consumers. As a result of this operation, 1,835 allegedly counterfeit products were seized.

During the inspection, several stalls were identified selling numerous products that appeared to belong to well-known brands in the textile, toy, and other sectors. Following the relevant inspections, it was found that the managers of these establishments could not prove the legitimate origin of the items with purchase invoices or valid documentation. This circumstance, combined with the visual characteristics of the products, led the agents to believe that they were counterfeit.

Result of the operation

As a result of the operation, 1,835 allegedly counterfeit items were seized, including clothing, toys, and various other items, valued at approximately €145,000.

Likewise, two individuals were investigated for their alleged involvement in a crime against industrial property. One of them was also administratively reported for allegedly committing violations related to smuggling, the sale of fireworks, and social security.

As part of the same operation, three men living in an irregular situation in the country were arrested and handed over to the Provincial Immigration and Border Brigade of Cáceres. The Brigade also handled the proceedings for the abandonment of an unaccompanied foreign minor, aged 17.

Purpose of this type of operations

These types of operations respond to the Tax Agency and State Law Enforcement Agencies' commitment to protecting consumer rights by preventing the distribution of products that do not meet minimum quality and safety standards. The sale of counterfeit products is not only a crime, but can also endanger citizens' health and contribute to the underground economy, affecting businesses that operate legally and responsibly.

The relevant forces emphasize the importance of inter-institutional coordination to achieve effective interventions like the one carried out yesterday in Cáceres, highlighting the crucial role of collaboration between administrations and police forces in the fight against this type of crime.