A National Police operation, involving over two hundred officers, took place this Sunday at the Sunday market located next to the Martínez Valero stadium in Elche (Alicante). The main objective was to locate and confiscate counterfeit items related to the upcoming Football World Cup to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The operation was carried out in the usual market area, a space with a large public turnout and a high concentration of street vendor stalls. The National Police detailed that this action was supported by Europol, Interpol, and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), framing it within a European operation against piracy linked to major sporting events.

The deployment focused on detecting products that infringe intellectual property regulations, particularly those with brands and logos associated with the World Cup. Officers patrolled the vendor stalls, inspecting items such as clothing, sports footwear, costume jewelry, and bags that mimicked official products. The aim was to protect intellectual property rights and ensure that consumers do not purchase products that do not meet quality standards or corresponding licenses.

Although specific details on seizures were not provided, the National Police emphasized that these controls are part of a calendar of preventive actions due to the anticipated increase in unauthorized merchandise as the World Cup approaches. The Martínez Valero market is considered a sensitive point for the sale of counterfeit goods, thus acting directly on a potential distribution hub for illegal products.

The fight against piracy not only aims to protect companies and brands but also to ensure buyer safety, as counterfeit items may use low-quality materials and not comply with European consumer protection regulations. The National Police periodically conduct similar campaigns in markets and shops across the country.