Massive counterfeit clothing ring smashed by police in Tenerife and La Palma

A major police crackdown has exposed a sophisticated illegal manufacturing ring in the Canary Islands, resulting in the seizure of 70,000 counterfeit items and the investigation of 19 people.

The Guardia Civil led the co-ordinated effort, known as “Operation LABEL,” which targeted the widespread sale and distribution of imitation branded goods. Officers focused their attention on Tenerife and La Palma, where they suspected a network of shops was stocking fraudulent merchandise.

Hidden factory uncovered

The breakthrough in the case came when investigators tracked the supply chain to a specific site in southern Tenerife. This location functioned as a clandestine workshop and primary distribution centre. Inside, police found heavy-duty industrial machinery used to produce fake clothing on a massive scale. These garments were subsequently distributed to various retail outlets across both islands to be sold to unsuspecting consumers.

In total, authorities inspected more than 20 shops and warehouses. Many of these premises were used to display and sell the pirated goods. The sheer volume of the haul is staggering, with the 70,000 confiscated items valued at nearly €7 million.

Gold bars and cash seized

The raids uncovered more than just bags of clothes. Officers also discovered a hoard of high-value assets that point to the profitability of the illicit trade. The following items were seized during the searches:

• Over €22,000 in physical cash.
• Assorted jewellery.
• Several gold bars.

Combined, these secondary assets are worth in excess of €300,000.

Legal action against 19 suspects

Following the inspections, 19 individuals are now being investigated for crimes against industrial property. This legal category covers the infringement of registered trademarks and the commercialisation of fakes.

The operation marks a significant victory for local law enforcement in their fight against organised retail crime. By dismantling the southern Tenerife workshop, the Guardia Civil has severed the production line of a network that had established a firm grip on the islands’ clothing market. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities process the vast amount of evidence gathered from the 20 sites involved in the sting.

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