Operation Shield VI Against Counterfeit Medicines

Operation Shield VI Against Counterfeit Medicines

The Spanish Central Security Forces and Customs have participated in Operation Shield VI against the sale of counterfeit medicines. This operation was carried out within the framework of EMPACT, led by EUROPOL, and supported by EUIPO.

The objective of Shield VI is to prevent the illegal trade in medicines, anabolic steroids, doping substances, and unregulated dietary supplements.

This edition of Operation Shield took place in late 2025 across 30 European countries, resulting in the seizure of 3.1 million tablets, 104.000 packages of illicit goods, 23.014 vials and bottles, and more than 1.000 kilograms of medicines, doping substances, dietary supplements, and other unauthorized substances, as well as the arrest of 3.354 individuals.

Many of these products may contain unknown or dangerous ingredients, incorrect dosages, or lack active pharmaceutical ingredients, so their consumption could lead to serious health complications.

For more information, please refer to the press release published by EUIPO.

The new EMPACT cycle for 2026–2029 includes the fight against industrial property crimes among its priorities. In this video, “Counterfeiters Don’t Care About Your Health”, created jointly by EUIPO and EMPACT, the health consequences of consuming counterfeit goods are highlighted.

The success of Operation SHIELD VI demonstrates that collaboration and information sharing among stakeholders in the fight against intellectual property crime is the most effective approach.

Further information