Over 11 million illicit and counterfeit products seized in South American operation.

INTERPOL-led initiative seizes illegal products worth more than USD 200 million.BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – An operation in South America targeting the trade of fake and pirated goods has resulted in the seizure of more than 11 million products and led to 104 arrests.Operation Crete II (August to September 2024) brought together 12 countries to combat a range of intellectual and industrial property infringements. These included the illicit trade of counterfeit fashion items, medical products, as well as digital piracy. The operation, coordinated and supported by INTERPOL, focused on products that pose a threat to the health and safety of consumers.The operation yielded seizures with an estimated value of USD 225 million. Among the millions of items confiscated were nearly 300,000 pharmaceutical products, including prescription-only medications such as vaccines, antidepressants and chemical precursors that can be used to manufacture illicit drugs.Of the 104 people detained during the operation, 35 were arrested for smuggling, 47 for intellectual and industrial property violations, 15 for the illegal marketing of drugs and medical supplies and seven for other crime.                                 Fakes, forgeries and fraud: The connection to organized crime As part of Operation Crete II, police in Brazil dismantled a criminal organization that had smuggled more than USD 250 million in counterfeit cigarettes. Their investigation revealed the group had used fake documents and invoices to evade inspections and transport the cargo by road. As a result, several suspects were arrested and assets were seized. The perpetrators face charges of forgery, trade in unfit products, exploitation and money laundering, with penalties that could exceed 48 years in prison.In Chile, detectives working on the operation conducted an investigation that led to the discovery of locations selling reproductions of a well-known Spanish jewellery brand. This led to the seizure of 2,478 counterfeit jewellery items, including necklaces, bracelets and rings, with an estimated value of USD 523,000.Ecuadorian police dismantled a counterfeit liquor ring that was producing and distributing fake versions of premium whiskey brands. The group was manufacturing the unregulated alcohol in unsanitary conditions, using recycled bottles and imitation branding elements such as labels, tax stamps and QR codes to mimic the authentic products.In Paraguay, authorities raided a clandestine warehouse in the tri-border region, an area between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. On site they discovered molds and plates used for the fabrication of counterfeit shoes. Products worth approximately USD 750,000 were seized. INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said: “Counterfeiting and piracy don’t operate in isolation—they’re deeply tied to a broader network of serious crimes like human trafficking, drug smuggling, corruption, and money laundering. “For organized crime groups, it’s always about profit over people. That’s why coordinated law enforcement efforts to disrupt their operations and dismantle their networks are not just important—they’re essential to protecting communities and upholding justice.” A coordinated effort against counterfeiting As part of the operation, INTERPOL’s Regional Bureau for South America in Buenos Aires worked closely with the IP KEY Latin America Project and the International IP Crime Investigators College (IIPCIC) on a series of training sessions and intelligence-sharing activities. One key meeting brought together over 100 stakeholders, including police, customs agents, prosecutors, and private sector companies. This facilitated national-level coordination among frontline officials and fostered ties between brand representatives and public entities in South America.Participating countries: Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.