Europol: tens of thousands of tons of counterfeit food were seized across Europe

By: Trademagazin Date: 2022. 11. 17. 08:30

About 27,000 tons of fake food, including at least 15 million liters of counterfeit or modified quality alcohol, including mainly burnt spirits and wine, were seized in Europe as part of a comprehensive international operation, the European Union’s Hague-based police cooperation organization (Europol) announced on Thursday.

According to the information of the EU organization, the operation carried out in the first half of the year was aimed at finding manufacturers and distributors of fake or falsified food and beverages that seriously harm the health of consumers, have an expired warranty, or do not have an EU license.

Eight criminal networks were dismantled as a result of inspections carried out by the relevant EU and national authorities throughout the food supply chain, in fairgrounds and shops, as well as online markets. Arrest warrants were issued against eighty people, 137 people cooperating with fraudsters were reported, at least 175 criminal proceedings were initiated, and 2,078 files were opened on suspicion of committing crimes against public administration.

Among the confiscated products that pose a serious threat to health were mainly expensive alcoholic beverages and dietary supplements, meat and meat products, fish and other marine products, dairy products, cereals and products derived from them, as well as spoiled fruits and vegetables.

MTI