Last Thursday, the Food and Economic Security Authority, following an investigation into the sale of counterfeit goods online, executed 5 search warrants at residences, vehicles, and shops in Porto and São João da Madeira, seizing approximately 11 items – footwear, clothing, and mobile phones – with an estimated value of €250.000, €1.200 in cash, checks, and 1 computer.
The investigation was carried out by the National Unit for Information and Criminal Investigation, which over the course of a year identified the managers of the websites, sellers, and their respective suppliers of this material. These websites had been active since at least 2014, exclusively offering counterfeit goods that closely resembled the originals, which also constitutes fraud involving merchandise.
During the operation, it was possible to seize material already packaged with the recipients' identification and locate a "hidden and improvised" warehouse at the back of a house.
The sale was conducted entirely through various Facebook pages, with items shipped by mail upon payment via bank transfer or cash on delivery.
The seized goods had no purchase invoice, demonstrating the existence of an informal economy that needs to be combated.
