Naples, December 23, 2025 – The Naples Provincial Command of the Guardia di Finanza has announced a significant pre-Christmas operation, resulting in the seizure of over 3 million unsafe, non-compliant, and, in some cases, counterfeit articles. This extraordinary control plan aims to combat the sale of potentially hazardous products and ensure fair competition for honest businesses.
Extensive Seizures Across Naples and Province
The operation led to 62 individuals being reported to the local Chamber of Commerce for violations of the Consumer Code. Additionally, 48 individuals were reported to the judicial authorities on various charges, including counterfeiting, commercial fraud, and receiving stolen goods.
Among the confiscated items were a wide array of products, including toys, plush animals, Epiphany socks, decorations, Christmas ornaments, Christmas lights, clothing, leather goods, SSC Napoli jerseys, and personal care products.
The seized merchandise, largely intended for families, was discovered in commercial establishments and warehouses across Naples (specifically in the San Lorenzo, Pendino, Poggioreale, Porto, Mercato, and Industrial Zone districts), the northern province (Giugliano in Campania, Villaricca, Casoria, and Casavatore), the eastern province (Marano di Napoli, Mariglianella, Palma Campania, Saviano, and Nola), and the Oplontina area (Torre Annunziata, Castellammare di Stabia, Gragnano, and Sorrento).
Clandestine Workshop Uncovered in Poggioreale
A notable intervention by the financial police from the Naples Rapid Intervention Group in the Poggioreale district uncovered a well-established system designed to fuel the illicit counterfeiting market ahead of the upcoming Epiphany. An Italian national had illegally set up a workshop in a private premise, equipping it with machinery and materials for textile processing, including professional cutting and sewing machines. The individual was caught while accessing the premises where Epiphany socks featuring trademarks and industrial designs of SSC Napoli and popular cartoon characters like Stitch, Barbie, and Spiderman were being produced. The entire clandestine factory was seized.
Counterfeit Toys and Luxury Goods
Among the counterfeit toys and plush items seized by the 2nd Metropolitan Operational Unit of Naples were the popular “Labubu” figurines, “Pokemon” cards, “Barbie” figurines, keychains, and balloons.
Further operations resulted in the seizure of clothing accessories such as bags, belts, and wallets bearing logos and distinctive signs identical to those of renowned luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, and Valentino, but lacking the necessary authenticity features.
Unsafe Christmas Lights Posed Fire and Electric Shock Risks
The confiscated articles also included numerous strings of Christmas lights that lacked the CE mark conformity certificate or displayed a non-compliant mark. These lights, intended to adorn homes during the festive period, could have posed serious risks such as fires and electric shocks due to their unsafe nature.
The measures outlined in this report are actions taken during the preliminary investigation phase, against which appeals are permitted. The recipients are individuals under investigation, presumed innocent until a final judgment is rendered. Administrative reports are subject to review by the competent authorities responsible for imposing sanctions.
Source: https://www.vesuviolive.it/ultime-notizie/534595-natale-guardia-finanza-napoli-sequestro/
