Two hundred thousand fake and dangerous objects seized by Revenue Guard Corps

With the arrival of Christmas, the objects, which are commonly used, but potentially dangerous, are filling shopping bags because they are sold cheaply, but without the certainty that they are lights that will not burn down the tree, or a soft toy that is harmless for your child. And so, the Revenue Inspectors in Varese have reported that they have carried out a series of specific checks on stores suspected of selling products of dubious origin; the result is the seizure of no fewer than 210,000 items, the issuing of sanctions totalling €100,000 and reporting 7 people. From Christmas tree lights to hats, from toys to gadgets; but also articles for the home, spare parts for cars, electrical devices, ironware, all objects manufactured who knows where, and sold to people who are unaware of the potential risks they are running, or of the actual origin. Indeed, many “fakes” have been seized by the inspectors, products passed off as Made in Italy, that were actually made in China.

A total of about fifty inspectors were involved in the operation carried out after a number of stores had been selected for checking.

During the operation, dozens of interventions were carried out, which enabled seizure of over 210,000 unsafe products, including toys (models cars and motorcycles – action figures, dolls and soft toys), electrical material (lights, electrical devices and accessories for Christmas decorations), medical supplies (latex gloves) and individual protection (masks), costume jewellery (earrings, bracelets and piercing jewellery), primarily imported from China and bearing the label “China Export”.

Moreover, during the targeted operations, about one thousand skilfully counterfeited products were seized, including cell phones and accessories (perfumes, handbags and wallets), bearing the logos of well-known designer labels.

Seven people were reported and a car used to transport the counterfeited brands was also seized.

Twenty one administrative-type violations were discovered, leading to the same number of fines, totalling over €100,000, and to 21 people, with varying degrees of involvement, being reported to the appropriate authorities.

In collaboration with the Varese Chamber of Commerce, technical advice on the products seized will be provided.

Bearing in mind the spread of products that are dangerous to health and safety, as they are manufactured using harmful chemical agents, or without due care to guarantee the safety of the users, the Revenue Inspectors in Varese will continue their operations against crime, particularly over the Christmas period, in order to protect the people.