Four major operations have been carried out against the infringement of industrial property rights.
The Spanish Civil Guard, through the Tax Service of the Vecindario Company, has successfully completed a series of joint European operations, codenamed FAKE STAR, LUDUS, and ELEKTRON, resulting in a total seizure of over one and a half million euros. These actions fall within the framework of an Operational Plan aimed at protecting both intellectual property and consumer safety in the market.
The operations took place between June and November 2025, focusing on the detection and removal of counterfeit products distributed through online platforms and physical points of sale.
The Vecindario Prosecutor's Office, together with the Santa María de Guía Prosecutor's Office, played a key role in carrying out these coordinated actions. The collaboration between both units and other specialized teams was fundamental to achieving the results obtained. Furthermore, these actions benefited from the assistance of intellectual property experts, whose presence was essential to proving the crime, and within Operation FAKE STAR, the local police forces of the municipalities involved also contributed their support.
Operation FAKE STAR targeted the production and distribution of counterfeit footwear and textiles affecting well-known European brands. These products were sold both on digital platforms and by street vendors in flea markets.
During this operation, seven inspections were carried out, resulting in the seizure of 10.936 counterfeit products with an estimated value of €963.615. A total of nine people were investigated for alleged crimes against industrial property.
In the technology sector, Operation ELEKTRON targeted the illegal distribution of counterfeit electronic accessories and products. These items were primarily sold through e-commerce platforms, social media, and also in physical stores. The operation included two inspections that resulted in the seizure of 6.185 counterfeit items, with an approximate economic value of €408.220.
Operation LUDUS focused on detecting and removing counterfeit or non-certified toys, which pose an additional risk given that they are intended for children. The products identified were mostly from China and lacked Spanish labeling and the mandatory CE marking. Two inspections were carried out during the operation, resulting in the seizure of 13.656 counterfeit toys valued at €99.828, and two individuals were investigated.
Finally, Operation APHRODITE IV targeted the seizure of counterfeit perfumes, cosmetics, and personal care products that do not comply with European regulations. Two inspections were carried out, resulting in the discovery of 1.108 perfume bottles lacking Spanish labeling, identification of the responsible party to the European Union, and an expiration date after opening. These irregularities led to two complaints being filed with the Pharmaceutical Regulation Service of the Government of the Canary Islands. The economic value of the products seized in APHRODITE IV was €55.700.
Taken together, these four operations have dealt a severe blow to illicit distribution networks, resulting in the seizure of 31.885 counterfeit items valued at over €1,5 million. The coordinated action of the Vecindario Tax Service and the Santa María de Guía Unit, along with other teams and the collaboration of local police forces, has been crucial in detecting these illicit markets and gathering valuable information on the modus operandi of these networks.
The trade in counterfeit goods represents a growing threat that harms both physical and online markets. Beyond the economic impact, these frauds pose direct risks to the health and safety of consumers, especially with products such as toys and cosmetics. Furthermore, they stifle innovation, generate losses of millions of dollars, and endanger legitimate jobs by encouraging consumption through illicit channels.
To address this problem, the Civil Guard is intensifying its controls in collaboration with local police forces and the private sector, focusing on street markets and physical retail outlets, as well as digital platforms. Customs and parcel controls are also being strengthened as a key strategy for intercepting the origin of counterfeit goods. The success of these operations reflects the authorities' firm commitment to protecting intellectual property and ensuring public safety.
