Police catch counterfeiters: counterfeit clothing discovered in Hagen!

Police catch counterfeiters: counterfeit clothing discovered in Hagen!

An illegal sales campaign was discovered in Hagen-Eilpe on October 27, 2025, which alerted an attentive citizen. The police became aware of the suspicion of selling counterfeit clothing and detergent and then searched a garage in the district. At the scene, officers observed several people hastily loading detergent bottles into a car. What they found in the garage suggested a massive scam.

Investigators discovered not only clothes on racks, but also boxes full of detergent, shoes and handbags. A 37-year-old man introduced himself as the seller, but gave contradictory information about the origin of the goods. He claimed the items had fallen off a truck. The police found a low four-figure amount of money in his wallet. Both cash and goods were seized during the search. The police then initiated an investigation on suspicion of a crime under the trademark law, as Bild.de reports.

Focus on consumer protection

Such practices once again show how important consumer protection is. In the European Union, consumer rights are a top priority, especially against unfair commercial practices. Companies are required by law to provide clear and understandable information to help their customers make purchasing decisions. If information is concealed or intentionally provided incorrectly, this can be considered unfair, as the EU website Youreurope.eu explains.

EU law also provides that consumers can claim compensation for unfair practices. Aggressive or misleading business practices are clear offenses that can have legal consequences. In the “black list” in the Federal Act against Unfair Competition (UWG), the legislature has defined a large number of unfair practices that are prohibited under all circumstances, be it through false information or creating pressure to buy.

Law against unfair competition

In Austria, unfair competition law is regulated by the UWG, which ensures fair competition and offers legal remedies against companies acting unfairly. Unfair business practices can not only influence competition to the detriment of companies, but can also harm consumers. Examples of such practices include the use of quality marks without authorization or the intentional deception about product characteristics, as set out on the website of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce.

The recent events in Hagen underline the need to be vigilant and counter unfair practices. Consumers and competitors have the right to take action against such practices in order to keep the market fair and transparent. In times when offers seem tempting, a critical eye is required.