Police forces launched a large-scale operation in Tarragona on Wednesday morning, targeting a criminal organisation that imports and distributes counterfeit goods to illegal street vendors. Officers from the Mossos d'Esquadra, Policía Nacional, and Guardia Civil conducted raids in Reus, Salou, and Cambrils. These actions aimed to dismantle the logistical network supplying "top manta" operations, particularly with fake football shirts.
Targeting Illegal Street Vendors
The operation comes just before the start of the tourist season. The Tarragona coast is a significant area where illegal street vending activity thrives. This activity impacts local businesses and infringes on industrial property rights. The organised group was responsible for importing, storing, and supplying these falsified materials. Their activities specifically violated industrial property rights, affecting brands and manufacturers.
Broader Counterfeit Crackdown
This crackdown follows previous efforts by authorities to combat the trade in fake products across Catalonia. The Guardia Civil alone has removed over 139,000 counterfeit items from the market in recent months. These seized goods had an estimated market value of €26 million. The "top manta" phenomenon, where vendors sell counterfeit items on blankets, is a persistent issue in many Catalan cities, including Barcelona. It affects legitimate retailers and the local economy, creating unfair competition.
Disrupting Supply Chains
Authorities continue their investigations into the network. They aim to disrupt the supply chain of these illegal products. This effort is especially critical as tourist numbers increase throughout the summer season in coastal areas. The ongoing operations seek to protect consumers from low-quality goods and support businesses that adhere to legal trade practices and intellectual property laws.
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Originally published by ABC Cataluña. Read original article.
