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A major bust just before the big game

On April 25, Spanish customs and national police seized 1.5 tonnes of counterfeit sportswear, including fake jerseys and full kits. The operation wasn’t random — it was made possible thanks to key intelligence from OLAF, the European Anti-Fraud Office.

This successful action was part of a broader EU effort to stop illegal goods from entering the European market, especially during high-profile events when demand for merchandise skyrockets.

The seized items were worth around €570,000 and were intended for sale during the Copa del Rey final — a perfect moment, according to the criminals, to trick excited fans into buying knock-offs. But thanks to OLAF’s intel, they ran into a strong defense.

Counterfeits: more dangerous than you think

Fake products might seem harmless — and sometimes even tempting because of their lower prices — but they come with serious risks. These items rarely meet safety or quality standards, which can put consumers at risk, especially when it comes to clothing worn during physical activity.

OLAF’s Director-General, Ville Itälä, stressed that the problem isn’t just economic. Counterfeit goods hurt legitimate EU businesses, which follow strict rules and pay their taxes. Criminal networks, on the other hand, try to profit by taking shortcuts — often at the expense of honest companies and unsuspecting fans.

This recent seizure sends a clear message: the EU will not tolerate such shady practices. And Spain is not alone — OLAF is working on similar operations across other EU countries, especially around major sporting events when counterfeit sales tend to spike.

The dark side of the game: organised crime in sport

What might look like a small scam is actually part of a much bigger criminal ecosystem. The production and sale of fake sportswear is a lucrative black market, controlled by organised crime groups with logistics networks, smuggling strategies, and sales channels.

In this case, we’re talking about 59 boxes of counterfeits — and that’s likely just the tip of the iceberg.

Events like the Copa del Rey, the EUROs, or the Olympics are goldmines for these networks. Excited fans are often eager to buy gear, and not everyone checks whether what they’re buying is authentic. Fake team shirts, scarves, or tracksuits can flood city streets within days — and the money ends up in the pockets of criminals who pay no taxes and have no responsibility for product quality.

OLAF in action: more than just paperwork

OLAF isn’t just a Brussels-based office crunching numbers. The agency actively works in the field, supporting law enforcement with intelligence and data that helps stop fraud and smuggling.

Its job includes investigating financial crimes, corruption, and misuse of the EU budget — but it also helps monitor customs and fight counterfeit trade across the Union.

When it comes to fake sportswear, OLAF tracks goods, maps supply chains, and shares information with national authorities. This kind of coordination is exactly what stopped the recent transport from hitting the streets.

Working together for real impact

The Spanish seizure proves that international cooperation works. OLAF and the Spanish authorities acted fast and in sync — showing how effective anti-fraud operations can be when intelligence, timing, and on-the-ground action come together.

As Director Itälä pointed out, OLAF isn’t slowing down. New operations are already underway, with one main goal: to protect the EU market and its people from illegal and unsafe products.

Whether it’s a football final, a music festival, or another big event, the risk of counterfeits rises with the crowd’s excitement. But thanks to OLAF and committed national forces, Europe is ready to defend fair play — on and off the pitch.

Criminals may try to cheat the system, but the EU is one step ahead.

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