Civil Guards seized more than 1,900 counterfeit batteries tied to a Japanese brand in a Crevillent warehouse. The operation against counterfeiting and smuggling conducted six inspections across commercial facilities involved in imports. Brand products were seized, and the company under investigation faces potential shutdown and penalties reaching as high as 1,750,000 euros.
On July 7, authorities learned of possible irregularities within a Crevillent business community. This information came from the Financial and Border Analysis and Investigation Central Unit and the Teruel Financial and Border Detachment. To verify these signals, the Santa Pola Financial and Border Patrol opened a formal inquiry aimed at confirming the scope of illicit activity within the local supply chain.
As the inquiry progressed, the firm under scrutiny sold suspect batteries that bore an established brand name. The action risked economic harm to the brand and potential danger to end users. Investigators noted that additional companies might be operating under similar patterns in the months under review, suggesting a broader irregular network.
Days later, the operation expanded to include extensive records at firms under investigation, all located in Crevillent. A total of 1,961 counterfeit batteries were identified as ready for direct sale and subsequently withdrawn from circulation. Affected products were removed from shop shelves and online listings where applicable, with investigators coordinating closely with the brand to ensure consumer safety.
Authorities contacted the affected brand to confirm that the counterfeit items had been removed from the market. The research team documented movements to assist those impacted by the breach in confidence and safety.
The company under investigation was formally notified under Organic Law 12/1995 on smuggling prevention and Royal Decree 106/2008, which governs batteries and accumulators and their waste management. Officials stressed the need to alert the competent authorities whenever suspicious import or disposal practices are detected.
Those responsible for administrative violations related to smuggling could face a range of penalties, including operational shutdowns or forced cessation of activity, along with fines tied to improper waste handling. The total potential fines could reach up to 1,750,000 euros.
Civil Guards warn that purchasing counterfeit batteries poses serious risks to consumer health. Counterfeit devices can contain hazardous metals such as lead, cadmium, or mercury, and the absence of proper production controls increases the likelihood of contamination and failure in real-world use. The public is advised to verify brand legitimacy and purchase from authorized distributors to reduce risk. [Attribution: Civil Guard briefing and procedural notices]