The Guardia Civil of the Las Palmas Command has successfully dismantled the first textile screen-printing factory dedicated to the counterfeiting of garments in Lanzarote. This operation is considered the most significant to date in the Canary Islands against such crimes.
The operation resulted in the arrest of four individuals, aged between 26 and 53, and one person is under investigation for alleged offences against intellectual property, membership in a criminal group, and violations of workers’ rights.
The interventions allowed authorities to freeze 16 bank accounts with a total balance of €179,000, seize €47,000 in cash, and, importantly, prevent the distribution of counterfeit material that could have reached a market value of over eight million euros.
Industrial Warehouse in Arrecife
The investigation began in July 2025, following the inspection of several containers of clothing at the port of Los Mármoles in Arrecife. These initial inquiries led agents to an industrial warehouse in the municipality, which turned out to be the epicentre of a large-scale counterfeiting operation.
Inside the premises, an industrial garment manufacturing facility was discovered, equipped with ten direct printing plates, a heat press, and two machines specialised in the screen printing of trainers, all linked to computer systems for reproducing logos of well-known international brands.
Furthermore, authorities found thousands of logos, transfers, and labels ready to be applied to clothing and footwear. The network imported unbranded garments from wholesale sites in Madrid, such as Cobo Calleja (Fuenlabrada), Parla, and Alcobendas, which arrived in shipping containers to Lanzarote before being transformed into counterfeits.
Seven Years of Illicit Activity
According to sources from the investigation, the group had been operating in the islands for at least seven years, with an organised structure and a distribution system designed to introduce counterfeits into the Canary market.
During the searches carried out, the Guardia Civil found nearly a thousand boxes containing garments ready for counterfeiting, in addition to already manipulated clothing, cash, and computer material. Three searches were also conducted at residences and one at a shop, where more material linked to the criminal activity was seized.
Among the affected brands were Adidas, Nike, Puma, Lacoste, Calvin Klein, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, Christian Dior, Armani, Balenciaga, Gucci, Versace, Fila, and Tommy Hilfiger, among many others.
Economic Impact of Counterfeiting
The Guardia Civil emphasises that the sale of counterfeit products severely impacts the economy and employment, resulting in millions of euros in losses for original companies and destroying jobs.
Moreover, counterfeit products undermine consumer trust due to their poor quality and can pose health risks due to the use of toxic dyes and fabrics. Legally, those involved in these activities face prison sentences, fines, and disqualifications.
The operation was supported by the Labour and Social Security Inspectorate of Las Palmas, which will investigate possible fraud against Social Security and labour violations committed by those involved.
Authorities indicate that this operation represents a significant blow against counterfeiting in the Canary Islands, but the investigation remains open, and further arrests cannot be ruled out.
