In a coordinated operation, the National Police disrupted a crime network linked to a Malaga-based repair business that handled mobile devices with pirated components imported from Asia. The crackdown led to 47 arrests on allegations of crimes against industrial property and participation in a criminal organization. The investigation also touched on managers of a well-known franchise associated with a popular brand, known for offering very competitive prices in terminal repairs. The network specialized in selling spare parts predominantly sourced from China and Hong Kong, positioning itself as a major supplier to repair shops across the country.
The operation, named Rotten, enabled authorities to seize 14,000 counterfeit parts, including screens, cameras, batteries, and other components. These items were nearly indistinguishable from originals in appearance but were produced with lower quality. The police stated that many of these pieces reproduced proprietary designs of recognized brands without authorization, infringing industrial property rights.
The investigation began in 2020 with the discovery of counterfeit mobile phone parts circulating in Spain. An audit of a Malaga-based company, which distributed these components nationwide, identified connections to another leading smartphone repair firm among its customers. Investigators traced links between the leaders of both organizations, revealing an extensive network of owned and franchised stores with operators in all Andalusian provinces and beyond, including other regions across the country.
Authorities from the Group II Economic Crimes and Asset Investigations, along with the Asset Locating Group, conducted cautious raids on individuals linked to the Malaga Provincial Police Station, Málaga industrial facilities, and other sites. Investigators observed shipments displaying minor alterations to proprietary designs that reproduced trademark registrations without permission. In multiple transactions, representatives of affected brands confirmed the ongoing frauds.
Part distribution
Economic analysis of the supplier revealed a flow from Asia to the parent company and subsequently to all its branches in Spain. Expert reports prepared by the organization and forensic scientists confirmed that the components used in repairs were counterfeit. In total, 47 individuals were identified as involved, including the suspected leaders of the two companies, who were arrested.
During the exploitation phase, authorities conducted 35 audits at workplaces owned or operated by the leading repair company across Andalusia, as well as at facilities in Murcia, Valladolid, Alcoy, Sestao, Gijón, and Zaragoza. Recordings were carried out at the homes of network leaders in Malaga and Torremolinos. Cash seizures amounted to 14,402 euros, with precautionary seizures totaling 156,497 euros in bank accounts, plus two properties, one of which was a luxury residence, and a vehicle were seized.