A major seizure of counterfeit t-shirts and uniforms bound for a high-profile football event was carried out in Spain on Friday, 25 April, thanks to crucial intelligence provided by OLAF. The operation is part of a wider effort led by OLAF, in close cooperation with the Spanish National Police and EU customs authorities, to combat a surge in counterfeit sportswear.
This coordinated initiative aims to block the entry of fake and substandard products into the EU market, thereby protecting consumers, safeguarding public health, and defending legitimate businesses across Europe. As counterfeit goods often bypass safety regulations, they can pose significant risks, particularly during high-demand periods surrounding major international sporting events.
The operation on Friday resulted in the seizure of 59 boxes containing goods with a market value of approximately €570,000. It is believed that the sportswear was intended to be sold in connection with the Copa del Rey final taking place in Spain on 26 April.
OLAF is currently coordinating ongoing activities across several Member States, providing relevant intelligence and information to support enforcement actions. This approach has already resulted in multiple successful seizures of counterfeit sportswear, with Spain recording the majority of recent interceptions.
OLAF Director-General Ville Itälä said: “Counterfeit products not only harm the EU economy and legitimate businesses but can also pose health and safety risks to consumers. The upcoming sporting season has drawn the attention of criminal networks eager to exploit the market. The seizure in Spain is a clear example of what strong cooperation and timely intelligence sharing can achieve. OLAF remains committed to working with national and EU partners to prevent fake and potentially dangerous goods from reaching European consumers.”
OLAF will continue to monitor and coordinate activities in the field to combat the illicit trade in counterfeit goods, standing firm against those who attempt to exploit the EU market.
For more information and video, please see the communication from the Spanish Police here.
OLAF mission, mandate and competences:
OLAF’s mission is to detect, investigate and stop fraud with EU funds.
OLAF fulfils its mission by:
• carrying out independent investigations into fraud and corruption involving EU funds, so as to ensure that all EU taxpayers’ money reaches projects that can create jobs and growth in Europe;
• contributing to strengthening citizens’ trust in the EU Institutions by investigating serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU Institutions;
• developing a sound EU anti-fraud policy.
In its independent investigative function, OLAF can investigate matters relating to fraud, corruption and other offences affecting the EU financial interests concerning:
• all EU expenditure: the main spending categories are Structural Funds, agricultural policy and rural development funds, direct expenditure and external aid;
• some areas of EU revenue, mainly customs duties;
• suspicions of serious misconduct by EU staff and members of the EU institutions.
Once OLAF has completed its investigation, it is for the competent EU and national authorities to examine and decide on the follow-up of OLAF’s recommendations. All persons concerned are presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a competent national or EU court of law.