ONE of the biggest-ever operations in Spain against markets selling fake goods took place in Elche earlier this month.
Over 200 Policia Nacional officers swarmed across the weekly Sunday market outside Elche Football Club’s Martinez Valero stadium on June 7.
The Policia Nacional was helped by Elche’s Policia Local in the operation, which also included specialists in the fight against crimes related to industrial property.
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They included the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). Interpol, Europol, andthe European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).
Details of what happened were made public on Friday.
The Policia Nacional said that over 25,000 kilos of counterfeit products were seized from the market located on Elche CF’s car park.
62 street stalls were dismantled and 90 people were arrested.
The police said that among those detained were two administrators and the person in charge of the company that’s responsible for managing and operating the market.
The trio had complete control over the site, including organisation and supervision, as well as picking up money and controlling access.
All those arrested have been charged with crimes against intellectual property.
It was pointed out that there was no involvement from Elche CF.
The Marinez Valero market is regarded as one of the busiest in the Valencian Community,
It normally attracts around 200 street stalls at which textile products, jewellery and watches, electronic devices, fruit and vegetable products plus other food-related oitems are sold.
The majority of fake products seized were shirts and kits of national soccer teams that are currently playing in the World Cup,
Club shirts with names of star players were also being peddled.
Other counterfeit items on sale were clothing, sports shoes, bags, watches, and electronic devices- all with internationally renowned brand names on them
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