Operation OPSON Seizes Fake Food and Drink Products
Cornelia Riehle LL.M.
From December 2018 to April 2019, Europol’s Intellectual Property Crime Coordinated Coalition and INTERPOL coordinated Operation OPSON, which resulted in the seizure of some 16,000 tonnes and 33 million litres of potentially dangerous fake food and drink products worth more than €100 million. The operation was supported by police, customs, national food regulatory authorities, and private sector partners from 78 countries. The majority of the seized items consisted of illicit alcohol, cereals and grains, condiments, and even sweets.
OPSON actions were especially targeted at organic food products, 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP) ‒ a toxic chemical sold as a fat burner, and fraudulently labelled coffee.
News Guide
EU Europol Counterfeiting & PiracyAuthor
Cornelia Riehle LL.M.
Institution:
Academy of European Law (ERA)
Department:
Criminal Law
Position:
Deputy Head of Section