Two individuals were detained in Elche as part of a police operation targeting a local business involved in selling clothes, bags, and accessories that appeared to be perfectly legitimate but carried hidden indicators of trademarked products. Investigators noted that while the items themselves did not breach protection rights, the establishment also offered counterfeit labels, plates, and logos to affix to these products, potentially creating illicit replicas of prestigious international brands. The report comes from the Provincial Operational Coordination Unit.
The operation began with agents from the FOX Unit of the Alicante Local Police, who are dedicated to preventing, prosecuting, and eradicating the sale of counterfeit goods. During routine work in Alicante, officers discovered a leather goods market that carried items without identifying marks, yet they could obtain the corresponding brand labels to apply to the products, effectively enabling the production and sale of counterfeit merchandise at higher prices. This early finding triggered a broader investigation into the legality of the business practices observed at the site. (Source: Policía Nacional)
Following initial inquiries, the Provincial Judicial Police Brigade Specialized Crime Group opened a formal inquiry to verify the facts and identify the individuals allegedly responsible for the alleged offenses related to industrial property. The efforts aimed to determine how far the operation extended and who was involved in the illicit activity. (Source: Policía Nacional)
National Police officers were able to locate the establishment and confirm that it sold bags, suitcases, wallets, and other accessories without identifying marks. They also monitored a significant flow of customers visiting the shop and purchasing large quantities of merchandise. (Source: Policía Nacional)
Investigators concluded that a coordinated police action had been planned, the premises were searched, and several counterfeit “prestige” bags were found concealed in an elevator pit, ready for sale with tags and badges from various international brands. The operation culminated in the detention of two managers of the establishment, who were suspected as the perpetrators of crimes related to industrial property rights. A total of 5,800 counterfeit metal tags were seized during the arrests. (Source: Policía Nacional)
The two detainees were a man and a woman, aged 32 and 35, respectively. The male detainee of Chinese nationality was released while awaiting court appearance after providing testimony at the Alicante Provincial Police Station. (Source: Policía Nacional)
Law enforcement authorities, including both the National Police and the Local Police, operate in close daily coordination. Their joint operations have led to the dismantling of illegal distribution points for counterfeit products linked to industrial property crimes in Alicante and help ensure that such goods are not marketed in local markets or on the streets of the city. (Source: Policía Nacional)