More than 200 National Police officers have carried out a large-scale anti-piracy operation at the Sunday market held near the Martínez Valero stadium in Elche, Alicante. The deployment focused on identifying counterfeit products linked to the forthcoming World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The operation took place in the busy market area beneath the stadium, a location known for its high number of stalls and strong footfall. Europol, Interpol and the European Anti-Fraud Office, known as OLAF, supported the action as part of a wider European strategy against counterfeiting linked to major sporting events.

Officers systematically inspected stalls selling clothing, sports footwear, jewellery and handbags bearing logos and branding associated with the tournament. The aim was to detect fake goods, safeguard intellectual property rights and prevent consumers from buying unauthorised merchandise.

Police have not released figures on seizures, but said the operation forms part of a broader programme of preventive checks as demand for World Cup merchandise increases. Authorities have warned that counterfeit goods may fail to meet safety and consumer protection standards.