12 consoles with 47 million “pirated” games seized

In a joint operation with the Turin Public Prosecutor's Office, the Guardia di Finanza (Financial Police) has struck a major blow against piracy in the video game industry.

Operation “Coin-Up 80” led to the seizure of over 12.000 counterfeit consoles, with over 47 million pre-installed “pirated” games, for an estimated value of over 47,5 million euros.

The counterfeiters, operating mainly online and through a network of physical stores throughout Italy, marketed consoles that imitated the iconic “retroconsoles” of the 80s and 90s, exploiting the growing popularity of “retrogaming”.

The games, all without the necessary licenses, reproduced the most popular titles of that period, causing huge economic losses to the original production companies.

Le seized consoles, of Chinese origin, were not only illegal but also dangerous for consumers. Lacking the necessary certifications, they had manufacturing defects and could cause electric shocks.

Nine people were reported for crimes such as counterfeiting, fraud and copyright infringement. The seized consoles, considered special waste, were destroyed.

This operation demonstrates the commitment of the Guardia di Finanza in protecting the market and fighting economic crime, to protect consumers and honest businesses.