The Guardia Civil has dismantled a criminal group in Motril, Granada, involved in large-scale food fraud. The operation, named “Obstteller,” uncovered the sale of more than 2 million kilos of fruits and vegetables falsely marketed as organic.
These products were sold to major European markets where organic produce commands higher prices.
In total, four individuals have been arrested, and 16 others are under investigation. Charges include aggravated fraud, document falsification, fraudulent certification, tax evasion, social security fraud, and criminal group membership.
Systematic fraud in organic certifications
The group’s strategy involved systematically falsifying production and sale certificates required by organic control bodies. Moreover, these documents are essential for verifying the traceability of organic products. Over the past six months alone, the network sold large quantities of conventionally grown produce, falsely claiming it was organic.
The criminal network included the company’s owner and several front men. Also involved were operators who supplied conventional produce and private companies that issued fake organic certificates.
Collaboration with certified laboratories
During the investigation, SEPRONA agents found that the group worked with accredited laboratories. These labs conducted multiple tests on the produce until results showed no traces of pesticides, which are incompatible with organic farming.
Investigators also discovered that the produce came from plots not listed in the official Andalucian Organic Production Information System (SIPEA). This listing is required for any certified organic products in the region. The fruits and vegetables left warehouses in Motril with falsified documentation and incomplete traceability.
Operation triggered by a routine inspection
The investigation started after a SEPRONA inspection at the company during the Guardia Civil’s broader “Opson XI” operation, which targets the production and trafficking of counterfeit food products. The inspection revealed irregularities, leading agents to suspect fraudulent sales of supposed organic goods.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with the Agriculture, Livestock, Industry, and Quality Service of the Andalusian Government in Granada and the local Treasury Department.
Also read: Guardia Civil seizes six million counterfeit products