More than 66,000 counterfeit World Cup shirts seized in Spain: 95 arrested
The National Police, together with Interpol and Europol, seize 16 tonnes of counterfeit sportswear in Madrid, Barcelona and Málaga. The fraud exceeds 7 million euros in economic damage.
Operation against World Cup fraud: 95 arrested and 16 tonnes of counterfeit shirts
The National Police have seized more than 66,000 counterfeit football shirts that were intended to be distributed during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to El Mundo. The operation, coordinated with Interpol, Europol, the EU Intellectual Property Office (Euipo) and the European Anti-Fraud Office (Olaf), resulted in 95 arrests in Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Elche and Denia.
The investigation was launched in April, given the proximity of the tournament. Officers detected a significant volume of counterfeit kits destined for Spain, among which reproductions of the official Spanish national team shirt predominated, as well as clothing from other national teams and clubs with players competing in the competition.
The seized merchandise totalled around 16 tonnes and was destined for several storage, distribution and sales centres. The National Police estimate that the retail value of the products exceeds two million euros, whilst the economic damage to the affected textile companies amounts to more than seven million euros.
The action is part of the EMPACT platform—European Multidisciplinary Platform against Criminal Threats—a European mechanism aimed at combating the proliferation of counterfeit sportswear linked to major international events.
The garments imitated designs, crests and distinctive elements of different national teams, but displayed noticeably inferior quality to the original articles. They were intended for illegal sale through street markets, street vending, e-commerce platforms and social media.
Source: El Mundo