Spain is the second largest importer of counterfeit goods in Europe.

Spain is the second largest importer of adulterated goods in Europe. And more than 50% of shoppers purchase them knowingly. This is according to the European Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the official European Union body that regulates and protects the intellectual property of brands and designs.

The practice causes a loss of 6 billion euros, destroys 45,000 jobs, reduces incentives to innovate and can also pose a threat to our health, especially for children. These numbers and recommendations should be refreshed now that we're immersed in holiday shopping. Most of these products are Asian and include toys, textiles, footwear and accessories.

Falsification jeopardizes the viability of especially small and medium-sized businesses: 34% of businesses affected by such fraud are at risk of going out of business.

Saragoza, together with Madrid, has been part of the European network 'Autenticiudades' fighting against this fraud for a year now. And does so at all levels. Local police are increasing surveillance and control in areas such as Alfonso Street or Paseo Independencia. As local police chief Mariano Alcalde explained, "every day more and more people stop and buy goods from market stalls; there is no consciousness." Once confiscated, the case is handed over to the national police.

Agent Maria Isabel Martinez explained how the types of crimes have changed, from selling goods in street parking lots to online fraud, including the work of forensic police.

The entire scheme is backed by criminal organizations that commit crimes not only against intellectual property, but also engage in money laundering, fraud and human trafficking.

Saragoza is launching a special campaign these days to create awareness of the damage of buying adulterated goods. The campaign is particularly targeted at young people, who are the main buyers of these products. The campaign will be carried out in more than 2,000 retail outlets in the city through information brochures, as well as on buses and radio ads.

By the way, the Garda Síochána has activated the Safer Trading Plan to coincide with the New Year holidays. Police are conducting special surveillance through the holidays to prevent thefts, robberies and fraud. Spokeswoman Mar Gil indicated that "the police presence, both in uniform and in civilian clothes, is being strengthened; patrols are being increased at Christmas fairs or shopping centers, as well as industrial sites where large quantities of goods are stored." Officers also met with the business and commercial sectors to gather information as part of this security provision and passed on security tips to them. Police are also advising consumers to be cautious when shopping online and to use secure payment platforms.

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