An operation in South America targeting the trade of fake and pirated goods has resulted in the seizure of more than 11 million products and led to 104 arrests.
Operation Crete II (August to September 2024) brought together 12 countries to combat a range of intellectual and industrial property infringements. These included the illicit trade of counterfeit fashion items, medical products, as well as digital piracy. The operation, coordinated and supported by INTERPOL, focused on products that pose a threat to the health and safety of consumers.
The operation yielded seizures with an estimated value of $225 million. Among the millions of items confiscated were nearly 300,000 pharmaceutical products, including prescription-only medications such as vaccines, antidepressants and chemical precursors that can be used to manufacture illicit drugs.
Of the 104 people detained during the operation, 35 were arrested for smuggling, 47 for intellectual and industrial property violations, 15 for the illegal marketing of drugs and medical supplies and seven for other crimes.
As part of Operation Crete II, police in Brazil dismantled a criminal organization that had smuggled more than $250 million in counterfeit cigarettes. Their investigation revealed the group had used fake documents and invoices to evade inspections and transport the cargo by road. As a result, several suspects were arrested and assets were seized.
The perpetrators face charges of forgery, trade in unfit products, exploitation and money laundering, with penalties that could exceed 48 years in prison.
In Chile, detectives working on the operation conducted an investigation that led to the discovery of locations selling reproductions of a well-known Spanish jewellery brand. This led to the seizure of 2,478 counterfeit jewellery items, including necklaces, bracelets and rings, with an estimated value of $523,000.
Ecuadorian police dismantled a counterfeit liquor ring that was producing and distributing fake versions of premium whiskey brands. The group was manufacturing the unregulated alcohol in unsanitary conditions, using recycled bottles and imitation branding elements such as labels, tax stamps and QR codes to mimic the authentic products.
In Paraguay, authorities raided a clandestine warehouse in the tri-border region, an area between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. On site they discovered molds and plates used for the fabrication of counterfeit shoes. Products worth approximately $750,000 were seized.
