Vila Real Fair: 1,544 counterfeit items seized and 10 criminal proceedings opened
Joint operation by PSP, ASAE and AT at the weekly fair in Vila Real resulted in the seizure of items worth 40,000 euros.
Police operation at Vila Real fair seizes counterfeit clothing and accessories valued at 40,000 euros
A joint operation carried out on Tuesday at the weekly fair in Vila Real resulted in the seizure of 1,544 pieces of clothing, footwear, bags and belts suspected of being counterfeit, valued at approximately 40,000 euros, according to police sources cited by Correio da Manhã.
The operation mobilised 11 officers from the Vila Real PSP (Public Security Police), 12 inspectors from the Authority for Food Safety and Economics (ASAE) and seven inspectors from the Tax and Customs Authority (AT), and was part of the Portugal Always Safe 2026 operation.
Ten criminal proceedings and four individuals identified
The ASAE opened 10 criminal proceedings for the sale of counterfeit material, for acts liable to constitute crimes against industrial property, and identified four persons. The AT raised two administrative offence proceedings for failure to register activity, concerning violations provided for in the General Regime of Tax Offences — including the failure to communicate the commencement of activity of an entity to that Authority.
Superintendent Paulo Andrade, commander of the Vila Real PSP police division, explained that the strategy was to launch the operation while the fair was already in progress. "Fortunately we obtained quite considerable results," he stressed.
Inspection extended to city centre
The intervention was not limited to the fair grounds, which operates every Tuesday and Friday. The AT and PSP extended inspection actions to catering establishments in the centre of Vila Real.
Paulo Andrade considered that initiatives of this type are fundamental to reinforce citizens' sense of security and to simultaneously combat counterfeiting and tax fraud.
The case will be referred to the Vila Real Court, where the injured brands will be called upon to make submissions.
Source: Correio da Manhã