The National Republican Guard (GNR) has announced the results of Operation “Trademark,” which targeted traders at markets and fairs with the goal of identifying and dismantling networks selling counterfeit and pirated products.
The operation led to the issuance of 54 notices in the context of the Industrial Property Code, the seizure of 10,861 counterfeit items valued at approximately 60,581.72 euros, and 408 infractions, primarily related to the regime of goods in circulation and road traffic legislation.
A spokesperson for the corporation informed Lusa that the majority of the seized counterfeit goods were clothing and sneakers.
During the operation, which involved 753 military personnel from various GNR units, 1,215 vehicles were inspected, and 65 markets and fairs were monitored.
The GNR also reported that last year it seized 117,088 counterfeit items with an estimated value of over one million euros.
In its statement related to World Anti-Counterfeiting Day, which was marked on Thursday, the GNR highlights the negative impacts of counterfeiting on the economy, consumer health and safety, and the environment.
“Counterfeiting poses a growing global threat, particularly affecting younger demographics, compromising public health, citizen safety, the sustainability of legitimate markets, and exacerbating risks associated with access to illegal online content, particularly in terms of cybersecurity,” the GNR states.
This illicit practice, often linked to organized crime networks, according to the police, causes significant damage to businesses and the economy while simultaneously fostering parallel commercial circuits.
