Naples – The Naples Financial Police transformed Halloween into an anti-fraud operation: over 100 counterfeit or uncertified items, ready to invade the streets of Campania for Halloween, were seized.
Forty-five merchants were fined, charged with fraud and receiving stolen goods, in a raid that struck at the heart of the early Christmas black market. Amidst a festive atmosphere of illuminated pumpkins and devilish costumes, the Guardia di Finanza of the Naples Provincial Command launched a preemptive strike against the illegal trade in festive gadgets.
Between the capital and its metropolitan hinterland, the "Green Berets" combed through stalls, shops, and illegal warehouses, discovering a shocking number of "ghost" products: toxic masks, flammable clothing, uncertified toys, and potentially lethal decorations, especially for children.
The haul? Over 100 pieces, all lacking the minimum consumer information and safety guarantees required by European regulations. The operation, coordinated in preparation for Halloween night, resulted in 45 fines overall.
Of these, 30 entrepreneurs were reported to the Chamber of Commerce for administrative violations—such as the sale of non-compliant goods—while 15 were under criminal investigation for commercial fraud, affixing false signs, and even receiving stolen goods.
"It's not just counterfeiting," explains a senior Guardia di Finanza officer, "but a real risk to public health. A flammable costume or a mask with carcinogenic paint can turn a party into a tragedy."
The hottest front ignited in the working-class neighborhoods of the historic center.
It might interest you
Ischia, shocking beating in nightlife scene: victim also deaf and mute
Naples' nightlife scene continues this weekend with checks on over 600 people identified and vehicles seized.
Campi Flegrei, the volcano that never sleeps; INGV reveals new caldera data
Naples: Man steals electric bike in Piazza Garibaldi, chased and arrested
Not just downtown: the offensive spread like a spiderweb across the entire province. The Naples Group struck hard in the high-density commercial neighborhoods—Secondigliano, Poggioreale, San Carlo all'Arena, and Pendino—and even on the Gulf islands, from Capri to Ischia, where holiday tourism amplifies the risks.
Here, over 15 items, including glow-in-the-dark rings, toxic temporary tattoos, and toys "possessed" by manufacturing defects, were confiscated. Only one person was reported, but nine administrative charges were filed, which will weigh heavily on the financial statements of those who chose the illegal shortcut.
To the north, between Frattamaggiore and Grumo Nevano, the Frattamaggiore Group dismantled a veritable "terror laboratory": 25 gadgets, from fake stinging spiders to hypoallergenic makeup only on paper. Five people were fined, three of them metaphorically handcuffed for receiving stolen goods.
Further south, in the Oplonti area—between Castellammare di Stabia, Sorrento, Pompeii, and Poggiomarino—the Torre Annunziata Group removed 15 items from the market: unstable lanterns, rusty pins, and makeup accessories that could cause serious skin irritation. Eight administrative violations were reported.
The shockwaves continued: another 10 seizures were made in the Nola area (Marigliano, San Vitaliano, Comiziano) and the Phlegraean Fields (Giugliano, Pozzuoli, Melito, Quarto), with eleven reports completing the loop. In total, this operation prevented not only hefty fines for unsuspecting consumers, but also potential domestic accidents or contact poisoning.
Beyond the mere counting, the Finance Police's intervention should be read as a warning to the Campanian economic system.
Comments (1)
The Guardia di Finanza's operation seems very important to protect consumer health, but there are increasingly more situations of this kind that put safety at risk. We hope they continue to carry out regular checks.