The Civil Guard of the Las Palmas Command has arrested four individuals aged between 26 and 53 years, and has investigated a fifth person for their alleged involvement in intellectual property crimes and membership of a criminal group, along with an additional offence concerning workers’ rights. According to a press release from the Armed Institute this Monday, this operation represents the largest seizure of such counterfeit products in the Canary Islands, which not only included the confiscation of counterfeit materials but also the production machinery used to create these fakes, intended for distribution across the Archipelago.
The investigation began in July 2025 following the inspection of several containers of clothing arriving on the island of Lanzarote. That initial review led agents to an industrial warehouse that first raised suspicions and later turned out to be the epicentre of a complex counterfeiting operation.
Inside this warehouse, located in the municipality of Arrecife, authorities discovered an industrial sewing factory dedicated to the production of counterfeit garments replicating logos and designs of well-known commercial brands. According to sources within the investigation, those involved had been engaged in this illegal activity for at least seven years, operating on a large scale with an organised distribution system aimed at introducing counterfeit goods into the market.
The criminal group imported large quantities of unbranded garments from various wholesale companies situated in the Cobo Calleja industrial estate in Fuenlabrada, as well as from other locations in Parla and Alcobendas (Madrid). These items were shipped via container to the port of Los Mármoles in Arrecife. Once in Lanzarote, the group deposited the merchandise in the registered industrial warehouse, where they also manufactured the counterfeit garments.
During the operation, agents gained access to the interior of the industrial warehouse, where they located a comprehensive network dedicated to the counterfeiting of garments and footwear. The search resulted in the seizure of ten direct-to-garment printing presses, one heat press, and two specialised machines for screen printing shoes, all connected to computers for designing and electronically reproducing the logos of renowned commercial brands.
The findings, as explained by the Civil Guard in their statement, extended beyond the industrial machinery. Investigators also confiscated an enormous quantity of logos, transfers, and labels ready to be applied to textiles and sports products. Among the affected brands were some of the most significant in the global market, including Adidas, Nike, Puma, Lacoste, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, Christian Dior, Armani, Balenciaga, Gucci, Versace, Fila, and Tommy Hilfiger, among others.
Furthermore, approximately one thousand boxes containing garments prepared for counterfeiting were seized during the operation. According to the report compiled by judicial experts involved in the investigation, the estimated market value of these items, once sold to the public, was around eight million euros.
Additionally, the Civil Guard conducted three searches at residences and one at a shop where counterfeit garments, cash, and computer equipment were confiscated.
Counterfeit clothing poses a reputational risk to brands, as the inferior quality of fake products undermines consumer trust, resulting in severe economic repercussions, such as job losses and millions in lost sales for companies, alongside health risks for consumers due to the use of toxic dyes and fabrics.
Ultimately, counterfeiting also presents a legal risk for offenders, with penalties including imprisonment and fines, and a negative impact on the country’s tourism image and competitiveness.
The investigation has involved the Labour and Social Security Inspectorate of Las Palmas, with the participation of a labour inspector to determine the presence of potential fraud against social security and work-related infractions among members of the investigated criminal group.
The investigation remains ongoing, and further arrests are not ruled out.
