Spanish National Police have seized more than 16 tonnes of counterfeit football kits destined for sale during the FIFA World Cup as part of a major international anti-piracy operation carried out in conjunction with Interpol, Europol and other European agencies.
The operation has already resulted in the arrest of 95 people across Spain and the seizure of more than 66,000 fake football shirts and complete kits linked to national teams competing in the tournament.
According to police, the investigation began in April as authorities monitored the expected influx of counterfeit sporting merchandise ahead of the World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. ALSO READ: Cape Verde frustrate European champions Spain in historic World Cup opener.
Investigators detected a significant flow of fake football apparel being imported into Spain. The illegal trade focused on kits associated with national teams and clubs featuring international players taking part in the tournament, with a large proportion consisting of counterfeit versions of the official Spanish national team strip.
The seized garments copied the designs, badges and distinctive features of official products but were of significantly inferior quality. Police said they were intended for illicit sale through street markets, illegal street vendors, e-commerce platforms and social media channels.
The investigation revealed a nationwide distribution network with storage, distribution and sales centres operating in several parts of Spain, particularly Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Elche and Dénia.
As part of the operation, officers carried out searches and seizures at more than 15 locations across the country, including industrial warehouses, private homes, market stalls and storage facilities linked to parcel delivery companies.
Police estimate the products would have generated more than €2 million in sales on the black market. However, the economic damage caused to the owners of the industrial property rights associated with the genuine products is estimated to exceed €7 million.
The 95 suspects arrested so far are being investigated for alleged offences against industrial property rights. The investigation remains ongoing and further arrests have not been ruled out.
Police said the operation demonstrates their commitment to combating the counterfeit trade and that enforcement activity will continue until the conclusion of the World Cup on 19 July, with officers seeking to identify and dismantle distribution channels supplying fake merchandise linked to the tournament.
The crackdown forms part of a wider international initiative under the European Multidisciplinary Platform Against Criminal Threats (EMPACT), aimed at tackling the growing trade in counterfeit sportswear associated with major international sporting events.
Spain’s National Police led the operation with the support and coordination of Europol and Interpol. The initiative also involved the collaboration of the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), and law enforcement agencies from numerous countries across Europe and beyond.
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🚨 Intervenidas más de 16 toneladas de equipaciones de fútbol falsificadas que iban a distribuirse durante el #Mundial2026.
— Ministerio del Interior (@interiorgob) June 17, 2026
👮 Más de 66.000 camisetas y conjuntos falsificados cuyo valor de venta en el mercado superaría los 7 millones de euros.
🌐 https://t.co/IeuwO4a5My pic.twitter.com/bHBHW1aOko
Against fraud and counterfeiting at the #WorldCup2026. OLAF and law enforcement partners across the EU are on it – fighting fake goods and protecting consumers. This is one of the results. ⚽ Gracias por su cooperación, @policia 🇪🇸 https://t.co/KmytIymiLe
— European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (@EUAntiFraud) June 17, 2026
Against fraud and counterfeiting at the #WorldCup2026. OLAF and law enforcement partners across the EU are on it – fighting fake goods and protecting consumers. This is one of the results. ⚽ Gracias por su cooperación, @policia 🇪🇸 https://t.co/KmytIymiLe
— European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) (@EUAntiFraud) June 17, 2026
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