NAPLES, December 23, 2025 – An extensive operation by the Italian financial police (Guardia di Finanza, Gdf) has led to the seizure of three million unsafe and counterfeit products across the entire province of Naples. The large-scale controls, aimed at safeguarding consumers, uncovered numerous violations of labeling regulations and intellectual property rights.
Operation Uncovers Widespread Counterfeiting
The seized items, lacking proper labeling and, in many cases, being outright counterfeits, included a wide array of goods. Among them were toys, plush animals, Epiphany socks, Christmas decorations, ornaments, and lights, as well as clothing, leather goods, and t-shirts bearing the logos of football teams and personal care products. These goods were largely destined for families, particularly during the festive season.
The operation, coordinated by the provincial command of Naples, targeted commercial establishments and warehouses in various districts of Naples, including San Lorenzo, Pendino, Poggioreale, Porto, Mercato, and the Industrial Zone. Controls also extended to the northern province (Giugliano in Campania, Villaricca, Casoria, and Casavatore), the eastern area (Marano di Napoli, Mariglianella, Palma Campania, Saviano, and Nola), and the Oplontina zone (Torre Annunziata, Castellammare di Stabia, Gragnano, and Sorrento).
48 Individuals Denounced, Clandestine Workshop Discovered
Following the inspections, 62 individuals were reported to the Chamber of Commerce for violations of the Consumer Code. Additionally, 48 individuals were denounced to the competent Judicial Authorities on various charges, including counterfeiting, commercial fraud, and receiving stolen goods.
A significant discovery was made in the Poggioreale district, where Gdf officers uncovered a clandestine workshop within a private premises. This laboratory was equipped with machinery and materials for textile processing, including professional cutting and sewing machines. It was being used to produce Epiphany socks featuring brand names and industrial designs of football teams or popular cartoon characters. The entire illicit facility was immediately seized.
Unsafe Products Pose Risk to Consumers
Among the confiscated items were numerous strings of Christmas lights that lacked the mandatory “CE” conformity certificate or displayed a non-compliant mark, indicating they did not meet European safety standards. The presence of such unsafe products on the market poses a significant risk to consumers, particularly children, due to potential electrical hazards or the use of harmful materials.
This operation underscores the ongoing commitment of the Guardia di Finanza to combat the illegal trade of counterfeit and unsafe goods, protecting both consumers and legitimate businesses from unfair competition. The festive season often sees an increase in the circulation of such products, making these controls particularly crucial.
The authorities continue to urge consumers to exercise caution when purchasing goods, especially during peak shopping periods, and to report any suspicious products or vendors.
Source: ANSA
