Nearly 1,000 counterfeit football shirts seized in Algarve – Portugal Resident
GNR police in the Algarve have seized 1,451 counterfeit clothing items and accessories, including almost 1,000 fake football shirts, during inspections in Faro and Portimão.
The operation, carried out on July 10 by the GNR’s Tax Action Unit (UAF), targeted parcels being transported by distribution companies as part of routine checks on goods circulating across Portugal.
During the inspections, officers identified a number of products suspected of infringing intellectual property rights.
In total, the GNR seized 999 football shirts, 437 pairs of sunglasses, five tracksuit bottoms, four T-shirts, four hats and two pairs of trainers
The counterfeit goods have an estimated value of €14,125.
Five criminal reports were drawn up for suspected offences under Portugal’s Industrial Property Code, with the cases referred to the courts in Faro and Portimão.
The GNR said the operation comes as demand for football shirts and other merchandise linked to clubs and national teams has increased during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The force warned consumers that counterfeit goods not only infringe intellectual property rights but also harm legitimate businesses, reduce tax revenues and may help finance more serious forms of organised crime.
The GNR warned that what appears to be a bargain could ultimately support illegal networks with wider economic, fiscal and social consequences, urging consumers to buy products through authorised retailers.
The force said it will continue carrying out inspections and investigations aimed at protecting consumers and tackling the illicit trade in counterfeit goods.
