Latvian police have announced that criminal proceedings have been launched against two Lithuanian citizens suspected of producing and distributing counterfeit Ariel laundry detergent products on a large scale across Europe. The suspects are believed to be part of an organized international crime operation.
The investigation began in November 2023 when Latvian authorities, in collaboration with tax and customs officials, uncovered a significant counterfeit operation in a residential area of Riga, the capital of Latvia. The operation involved the packaging and storage of fake Ariel laundry detergents. Photos of the discovery were shared by the police on social media.
Authorities discovered a warehouse containing 22 metric tons of counterfeit washing powder and liquid detergent labeled with the Ariel trademark. Additionally, packaging materials, labels, and falsified shipping documents were found at the site.
Following a thorough investigation, Latvian police have concluded that the two Lithuanian suspects, born in 1978 and 1990, will be charged with offenses including the illegal production of counterfeit goods, unauthorized use of a trademark, forgery of a mark, and intentional distribution of forged trademarks.
The suspects are believed to be associated with an organized crime group responsible for the production and distribution of counterfeit Ariel products throughout Europe. If convicted, they could face a maximum sentence of six years in prison.
Authorities estimate that the criminal activities have caused financial losses exceeding 739,000 euros ($781,000) to Procter & Gamble, the company that owns the Ariel brand.
