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Joint investigation of the National Police and the Tax Agency
Dismantled a criminal organization that sold counterfeit products posing as second-hand originals
They operated from Valencia, trading the reproductions of leading brands through web pages and profiles on social networks
Three people have been arrested and more than 1,300 fake articles, 159,850 euros in cash and 265 grams of gold have been seized
27-August-2020.- Agents of the National Police and officials of the Tax Agency, in a joint operation, have dismantled a criminal organization based in Valencia, which was dedicated to the sale of counterfeit products, passing them off as second-hand originals. They sold the reproductions of renowned brands through web pages and profiles on social networks. Three people have been arrested and more than 1,300 fake items, 159,850 euros in cash and 265 grams of gold have been seized.
The investigation began in October 2019, when specialized agents detected the existence of a website and several profiles on social networks whose objective was to publicize articles, mainly bags and textile garments, that emulated those of recognized official brands of recognized prestige for subsequent sale through these channels.
Foreign markets and bank accounts abroad
The progress of the police efforts revealed that the organization was distributing the articles, mainly from foreign markets (Turkey), throughout the Spanish territory from the province of Valencia. In most cases, they sold the counterfeit products pretending to be second-hand originals, offering a price well below their usual market cost through advertisements on social networks.
After several formalities, the agents learned that the organization had obtained more than 193,000 euros obtained through different forms of payment (cash on delivery, transfers, Bizum, etc.), although it is not ruled out that said amount could be older since, as it has been possible to detect, those investigated are holders of bank accounts abroad.
Household searches in the Valencian Levante
As the investigation progressed, on July 23, 2020, two searches were made in homes in the Valencian towns of Puebla de Vallbona and Ribarroja del Turia. The agents intervened more than 1,300 counterfeit items, such as bags, wallets, belts, textile garments, footwear, masks, sunglasses, watches, cases for phones and tablets, ready for sale and distribution, as well as 159,850 euros in cash and 265 grams of gold bullion.
Finally, during the operation, the agents arrested three people for their participation in the events and, in addition, statements were taken from three more people as non-detained investigated.
