The Guardia Civil has dismantled a large-scale counterfeit goods operation in Spain, seizing more than 42,000 fake items and detaining eight individuals. The operation, known as Operation Mercateria, targeted a criminal network using legitimate commercial structures to import, distribute, and sell counterfeit products from China.
The operation, conducted across Málaga and Madrid provinces, uncovered 42,062 counterfeit high-end jewellery pieces, including pendants, bracelets, earrings, and rings. Moreover, these items mimicked designs from three prestigious jewellery brands.
Legal action and detentions
- 8 people were detained.
- 14 others are under investigation for alleged industrial property crimes.
The detained individuals face charges for their involvement in importing and distributing counterfeit goods within Spain.
Investigation background
The investigation began after representatives of several high-end jewellery brands reported the sale of counterfeit items at numerous street markets in Málaga province. Furthermore, these markets combined the sale of genuine and fake products, forming the final step in the public distribution chain.
Structure of the counterfeit operation
The Guardia Civil uncovered a complex operation consisting of three levels:
- Importation: Counterfeit goods were shipped from China and received at legitimate commercial facilities.
- Wholesale distribution: Fake items were sold in bulk to street vendors and online platforms.
- Direct sales: Street markets across Málaga province served as the main outlets for these counterfeit products.
Key findings
During the investigation, the Guardia Civil identified:
- Five warehouses in the Guadalhorce Industrial Park in Málaga used for wholesale distribution.
- Two warehouses in the Cobo Calleja Industrial Park in Fuenlabrada (Madrid), which supplied goods to the Málaga facilities.
Inspection and confiscation
Simultaneous inspections at the seven warehouses resulted in the confiscation of all counterfeit items.
Broader implications
By targeting all three levels of the distribution chain, the Guardia Civil successfully disrupted the network’s ability to operate nationally. Authorities have handed over the detained individuals and seized materials to the Málaga Investigating Court for further proceedings.
Also read: Guardia Civil seized six million counterfeit products in major operation