Counterfeit Footwear Crackdown: Civil Guard Finds Tens of Thousands of Fake Shoes Across Spain
The Civil Guard disrupted a large-scale counterfeiting operation that targeted a well-known footwear brand. Authorities seized more than 22,800 pairs of counterfeit shoes across two stores in Elche and San Adrià de Besòs (Barcelona), plus several outlets in Fuenlabrada and Madrid city. The value of the captured goods, on the open market, exceeds 10.4 million euros.
The operation to curb industrial piracy was led by agents from the Madrid Civil Guard Command Financial and Border Investigation Analysis Unit, working in concert with Regional Financial Patrols from Alicante and Barcelona Commands. In Alicante, the Pafite unit from Santa Pola contributed to the effort, yielding 22,865 pairs that were earmarked for recall or sale under regulatory channels. The scale underscores the reach of the counterfeit network and its impact on legitimate brands and consumers.
The investigation began after a representative of the affected shoe brand reported that several models sold through Madrid franchises were counterfeit. This warning prompted a coordinated response that combined on-the-ground inspections with warehouse verifications to confirm the authenticity of stock and to identify points of distribution.
A civilian security guard accompanying the operation was present in one of the inspected warehouses as part of the enforcement process. This detail underscores the hands-on nature of field inspections during disruption of illicit supply chains. INFORMATION
Following initial data analysis by the Civil Guard, multiple stores and warehouses were identified as locations where counterfeit goods had been marketed and distributed. A unified plan allowed authorities to intercept specific quantities of counterfeit shoes: 1,272 pairs in Elche, 4,344 pairs in San Adrià de Besòs, 300 pairs across 11 Madrid stores, and 16,949 pairs in two Fuenlabrada outlets. These figures illustrate the breadth of the scheme and the concentration points of distribution.
Inspectors, accompanied by representatives of the affected brand, conducted checks at the retail sites to verify the counterfeit nature of the merchandise and to initiate recalls where applicable. The operation highlights the importance of collaboration between brand owners, enforcement agencies, and retailers in protecting consumers and preserving market integrity.
Criminal proceedings have been opened against those responsible for the stores and warehouses on charges relating to crimes against industrial property. Prosecutors and Civil Guard officials noted the broader harm caused by such activities, including damage to the brand’s image, consumer deception, and unfair competition with fully compliant companies. The case emphasizes that counterfeit operations extend beyond isolated sales and can undermine legitimate commerce across multiple regions.