Naples: Financial Police Seize 3 Million Unsafe Christmas Items in Major Operation
Naples, December 23, 2025 – In a significant pre-Christmas operation, the Naples Provincial Command of the Guardia di Finanza has confiscated over 3 million unsafe, non-compliant, and counterfeit articles. This extensive intervention aims to protect consumer health and ensure fair competition for honest businesses during the festive season.
The operation, part of an extraordinary control plan, targeted various commercial establishments and warehouses across Naples and its surrounding province. Following these interventions, 62 individuals were reported to the local Chamber of Commerce for violations of the Consumer Code, while an additional 48 individuals were reported to the competent Judicial Authorities for offenses including counterfeiting, commercial fraud, and receiving stolen goods.
Wide Range of Seized Products
The seized goods include a diverse array of products, many of which were destined for families. Among them are:
- Toys and plush animals
- Befana stockings
- Christmas decorations, ornaments, and fairy lights
- Clothing and leather goods
- SSC Napoli jerseys
- Personal care products
These items were found in various districts of Naples, including San Lorenzo, Pendino, Poggioreale, Porto, Mercato, and the Industrial Zone. The operation also extended to the northern areas of the province (Giugliano in Campania, Villaricca, Casoria, and Casavatore), the eastern areas (Marano di Napoli, Mariglianella, Palma Campania, Saviano, and Nola), and the Oplontina area (Torre Annunziata, Castellammare di Stabia, Gragnano, and Sorrento).
Uncovering a Counterfeiting Hub in Poggioreale
A notable intervention by the financiers of the Naples Pronto Impiego Group took place in the Poggioreale district. Here, authorities uncovered a sophisticated system designed to fuel the illicit counterfeiting market, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming Epiphany. An Italian national had set up an illegal workshop within a private premises, equipped with textile processing machinery, including professional cutting and sewing machines. The individual was caught in the act of producing Befana stockings featuring trademarks and industrial designs of SSC Napoli and popular cartoon characters such as Stitch, Barbie, and Spiderman. The entire clandestine factory was seized.
Counterfeit Toys and Luxury Goods
Among the counterfeit toys and plush animals seized by the 2nd Metropolitan Operational Unit of Naples were popular “Labubu” figurines, “Pokemon” cards, “Barbie” figurines, keychains, and balloons. Furthermore, additional interventions led to the seizure of clothing accessories such as bags, belts, and wallets bearing logos and distinctive marks identical to those of renowned luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, and Valentino, but lacking the necessary authenticity features.
Dangerous Christmas Lights
A significant portion of the seized items included numerous strings of Christmas lights that lacked the “CE” conformity certificate mandated by European regulations, or displayed a non-compliant mark. These unsafe lights, intended to adorn homes during the festive period, posed serious risks such as fires and electric shocks within residences.
Legal Proceedings and Safety Warnings
It is important to note that the measures described are executed during the preliminary investigation phase, against which appeals are permitted. The individuals involved are currently under investigation and are presumed innocent until a final verdict is reached. Administrative reports are subject to review by the competent authorities responsible for imposing sanctions.
The Guardia di Finanza emphasizes the importance of purchasing certified and safe products, especially during the holiday season, to avoid potential health and safety hazards.
Source: https://www.vesuviolive.it/ultime-notizie/534595-natale-guardia-finanza-napoli-sequestro/
