Customs blitz nets $50m-worth of fake goods in South America

A transnational operation coordinated by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and Interpol targeting organised criminal counterfeiting networks across 13 countries in South America has resulted in more than 600 arrests and the seizure of fake goods worth US$50 million.
Carried out under the umbrella of Operation Jupiter, goods recovered by Customs and police officers across the region included fake satellite receivers and car parts, counterfeit soft drinks and falsely branded designer sneakers demonstrating the wide range of counterfeit consumer products being trafficked into the mainstream market. A large quantity of counterfeit and sub-standard toys which pose a significant risk to children’s health and safety were also seized.
Since the launch of the operation in March, more than 300 raids and checks have been conducted across a variety of locations including border control checkpoints, seaports and commercial centres with investigations also resulting in the discovery of workshops capable of mass-producing counterfeit goods within the region.
Final results from Operation Jupiter V, which involved Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, France (French Guyana), Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela, will be released upon its completion.