Naples, Italy – In a significant operation against counterfeiting and illicit trade, authorities in Naples have uncovered a clandestine factory in the Poggioreale district dedicated to the production of thousands of counterfeit Befana socks. The raid, conducted by the Provincial Command of the Guardia di Finanza of Naples on November 24, 2025, led to the seizure of approximately 1,800 finished products and 1,300 semi-finished items, along with the equipment used in their manufacture.
Illegal Factory Produced Counterfeit Befana Socks for Festive Season
The operation, spearheaded by the Pronto Impiego Group of Naples, aimed to trace the illicit supply chain of counterfeit goods. Investigators successfully identified an Italian national who had set up the unauthorized workshop in a private premise. The facility was equipped with professional textile processing machinery, including a cutting machine and a sewing machine, indicating a sophisticated and organized production effort.
The individual was apprehended while entering the premises, where he was actively involved in the production of traditional Befana socks. These socks bore counterfeit brands and industrial designs, notably those of the SSC Napoli football club and popular cartoon characters such as Stitch, Barbie, and Spiderman. The products were reportedly intended for commercial distribution in anticipation of the upcoming festive season, particularly the Epiphany holiday.
Seizure of Goods and Legal Action Taken
Upon the conclusion of the operation, the Guardia di Finanza officers confiscated approximately 1,800 counterfeit finished products and an additional 1,300 semi-finished items. All the equipment utilized in the illicit manufacturing process was also seized. The person responsible for the clandestine factory has been reported for trademark counterfeiting, aggravated by the establishment of means and organized activity, as well as for receiving stolen goods.
It is important to note that this measure was adopted within the framework of preliminary investigations. The decision is subject to appeal, and the individual under investigation is to be considered innocent until a final conviction is issued. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by Italian authorities to combat the proliferation of counterfeit goods and protect intellectual property rights, especially during periods of heightened consumer demand.
The discovery of this illicit factory highlights the persistent challenge posed by counterfeit products in the market, which not only infringes on legitimate businesses but can also pose risks to consumers. Authorities continue to urge vigilance and encourage consumers to purchase goods from authorized retailers to ensure authenticity and quality.
The confiscated items, if they had reached the market, would have represented a significant loss for legitimate businesses and a potential source of harm to consumers due to unregulated production standards.
Source: https://www.vesuviolive.it/ultime-notizie/534565-opificio-falso-napoli-poggioreale-calze-befana/
