Counterfeiting operations have evolved. Today, criminal networks operate on a global scale, with great agility and technological sophistication. Fake products circulate through marketplaces, events, social networks and even legitimate logistics systems.

Combating this scenario requires more than vigilance. It requires intelligence, coordination and tools capable of transforming scattered data into concrete action.

In this article, we explore how major counterfeit operations are changing and what brands, authorities and investigators can learn from them.

Let’s explore!

The Advance of Counterfeit Operations and Coordinated Raid Cases

Today, the fight against counterfeiting is not limited to small seizures at fairs or street vendors. We are facing a global, structured and highly adaptable network.

With access to digital platforms, third-party suppliers and international logistics routes, counterfeiters are able to operate with efficiency comparable to that of large companies.

In response, repression operations also had to increase in scale and sophistication. We will detail a few recent cases and explore what brands can learn from them.

Case Study 1: Mexico City Operation: Repeat Offenders

In 2024, more than 200 agents conducted an operation in the center of Mexico City, targeting “Mexico Mart”, a shopping complex known for selling counterfeit brands such as Disney, Marvel and Nintendo.

Around 262 thousand products were seized, many without labels, invoices or import documentation.

The operation went beyond a simple seizure. It marked a change in the government’s strategy, which began to treat counterfeiting as a national problem, demanding systematic repression.

The most revealing fact, however? The location had already been the target of three previous operations.

This raid highlights the fact that without integrated intelligence and data sharing, law enforcement efforts risk becoming repetitive and ineffective. A successful fight against illegal trade relies on collaboration, strategic analysis, and streamlined information management.

Case Study 2: South American Sweep: International Collaboration

In 2024, Operation Crete II, coordinated by Interpol, mobilized 12 South American countries against intellectual property crimes. The result: more than 11 million counterfeit products seized and 104 arrests.

Across South America, authorities uncovered staggering cases of counterfeiting.

Brazil seized $250 million in fake cigarettes, Chile intercepted 2,400 pieces of pirated jewelry, and Paraguay raided a clandestine warehouse containing industrial molds for counterfeit shoes.

The success of this operation shows that international cooperation is essential to closing the legal and border gaps that counterfeiters exploit. INTERPOL Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza said: “Counterfeiting and piracy don’t operate in isolation—they’re deeply tied to a broader network of serious crimes like human trafficking, drug smuggling, corruption, and money laundering. In addition, it stresses the urgent need for shared data and integrated systems to effectively tackle transnational crime.

Case Study 3: Light + Building 2024 Raid: High-Profie Industry Events

During Light + Building 2024, the largest global lighting fair, Finnish LEDiL and German customs carried out a real-time seizure. Two stands were fined for displaying products that violated the brand’s patents and industrial designs.

The operation was swift and effective: the counterfeit items were removed on the spot, preventing any sales to event visitors. “We are grateful for the swift action of the German customs authorities and their cooperation in upholding intellectual property rights during such a key industry event. Following the findings, we will proceed with additional legal actions, including the pursuit of criminal charges against the infringers in Germany,” said Mika Simonen, CSCO of LEDiL.

This case exposes a critical vulnerability: counterfeiting has expanded beyond backstreet markets into mainstream trade. Even high-profile industry events are now targets, as fraudulent exhibitors focus legitimate brands and erode trust across entire sectors.

Case Study 4: Allentown, PA Seizures: Harmful Chemicals

In February 2025, U.S. Customs Enforcement (CBP) intercepted four shipments of counterfeit cosmetics in Pennsylvania, including anti-aging creams from Estée Lauder, SkinCeuticals, and Clinique.

The estimated value of the products, if authentic, reached US$28,550.

However, the risk goes far beyond financial loss. According to CBP, some of these counterfeit products contain heavy metals, industrial waste and even urine, with proven links to skin cancer, severe acne and dangerous allergies.

The warning is clear: counterfeiting cosmetics is not only a crime against brands, but a danger to public health. As consumers find it difficult to identify fraud, it is up to companies to reinforce monitoring of the distribution chain and act quickly against these threats.

Case Study 5: Super Bowl Merchandise Bust: Partnerships with Authorities

During Super Bowl week in New Orleans, a US Department of Homeland Security (HSI) task force, in partnership with the NFL and intellectual property authorities, carried out one of the largest counterfeiting operations at sporting events.

With more than 200,000 visitors expected, the counterfeiters saw an opportunity, but were surprised by the authorities’ efficient response.

“Operation Team Player” seized 214,000 pirated items, such as t-shirts, caps and memorabilia, valued at US$39.5 million. Coordinated action between customs, police and tax agents protected fans and brands at the biggest American sporting event.

The lesson to be learned is that early collaboration between brands, authorities and organizers is essential to stop counterfeit products before they reach consumers.

Case Study 6: $200 Million Smuggling Ring: Container Swaps

In 2024, a federal operation arrested eight members of a network that smuggled counterfeits from China to the US through the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

The group used shell companies, logistics warehouses and drivers to circumvent customs. When a container was selected for inspection, they removed the illegal cargo, replaced the security seals with fake replicas, and rerouted the container, now with only part of the original cargo.

The estimated value of the seized products was US$130 million.

This case is not isolated. Modern criminals exploit flaws in international logistics with sophisticated techniques to maintain and expand their operations. Combating this flow requires full tracking of the chain, from suppliers to delivery routes.

Protecting Your Brand Starts With Intelligence

The reality of counterfeiting has changed. As a result, the tools to combat it need to evolve too.

At Hubstream, we help brands, authorities and legal teams transform large volumes of fragmented data into coordinated, intelligent investigations. Our platform allows you to:

• Centralize reports, customs alerts and seizure records in one place.
• Detect repeat offense patterns by location, product, supplier or logistics network.
• Integrate external intelligence sources and enforcement agencies.
• Map smuggling networks with interactive dashboards, referenced data and inspection history.

Whether you’re tracking a suspicious warehouse, documenting a seizure in real time or coordinating actions with international partners, Hubstream offers what’s essential: agility, accuracy and integrated vision.

Because in the fight against counterfeiting, every connection counts.

Conclusion

Combating counterfeiting can no longer depend solely on isolated actions, sporadic reports or luck. Counterfeiters operate with planning, technology and global reach, and can only be tackled with the same level of sophistication.

Brands and authorities that want to protect their assets, reputation and consumers need to evolve from a reactive stance to a preventive, data-driven strategy connected with national and international partners.

Hubstream is part of this transformation.

Our mission is to give investigative teams the power to see beyond the obvious, connect scattered signals and act quickly and accurately, in any context, from local retail to major international ports.

If your brand has already suffered from counterfeits or if you want to anticipate the next attack, now is the time to act. Speak to our team and discover how to transform your protection strategy into a smarter, more efficient operation aligned with current challenges.