Europe’s biggest fake-perfume factory busted in huge raid

Customs agents seized materials valued at more than 94 million euros ($111 million) NewsWorldEuropeEurope’s biggest fake-perfume factory busted in huge raidCustoms agents seized materials valued at more than 94 million euros ($111 million)Paolo Laudani Tuesday 17 February 2026 19:43 GMTBookmarkCommentsGo to commentsBookmark popoverRemoved from bookmarksClose popoverThe joint operation into a fake perfume factory involved Catalan police alongside Spanish and French customs agents (via REUTERS)Your support helps us to tell the storyRead moreSupport NowFrom reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.Your support makes all the difference.Read moreA major criminal operation, described by authorities as Europe's largest fake perfume factory, has been dismantled by Spanish law enforcement with the assistance of French customs agents, Catalan officials confirmed on Tuesday.The joint operation, involving Catalan police alongside Spanish and French customs agents, led to the seizure of materials estimated to be worth more than €94 million ($111 million), according to the regional government.Seven individuals have been arrested in connection with the illicit enterprise, facing charges including belonging to a criminal organisation, smuggling, and patent infringement. Two warehouses, found to be storing a staggering 1.2 million bottles of counterfeit perfumes, were also seized.According to the regional government, the sophisticated gang replicated scents from over 50 well-known brands. They had amassed raw materials capable of producing 150,000 litres of various fragrances, which were then transported by road across Europe.Authorities say the investigation is still open and that further arrests could be made.More aboutCatalanFactorySpainJoin our commenting forumJoin thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their repliesCommentsMost popularPopular videosBulletinRead next