A recent crackdown by authorities has exposed a significant fraudulent operation, revealing that over 18,400 bottles of wine were deceitfully labeled under the prestigious designation of origin Malaga.
Led by the Guardia Civil, in collaboration with the Superior Prosecutor’s Office of La Rioja and the Agri-Food Quality Control Service of the Department of Agriculture of La Rioja, the investigation uncovered a substantial food fraud scheme. According to a report released on Tuesday, March 12, the operation was conducted in La Rioja, Spain.
Three individuals have been implicated in the scheme, accused of defrauding consumers out of more than €227,000.
Investigation Unveiled
The inquiry was triggered by a complaint from a representative of the Malaga wine designation of origin, leading investigators to uncover the sale of white wine bearing the prominent label ‘Manilva,’ reserved exclusively for wines registered with its regulatory council.
The Guardia Civil’s environmental service, Seprona, meticulously examined the labels and packaging, tracing the fraudulent activity to bottling companies based in La Rioja. The products were predominantly distributed through online wine platforms.
Modus Operandi of Fraudsters
Analysis revealed that the wines in question did not meet the stringent criteria of the Malaga wine designation, as they did not consist of 100 per cent Muscat of Alexandria grapes. Instead, they were primarily crafted from lower-quality grapes sourced from the La Rioja region.
The fraudulent scheme involved marketing the wine under protected terms like ‘Certified Denomination of Origin’ (DOC Vinos de Fincas) by a salesperson, despite lacking the necessary registrations or authorizations. This misleading tactic misled customers into believing they were purchasing authentic Malaga wine.
Legal Ramifications
Dubbed ‘Operation Utrem,’ the investigation has resulted in three individuals facing charges for crimes against industrial property, document forgery, and market and consumer fraud. The Guardia Civil’s relentless efforts underscore the significance of vigilant measures in safeguarding the integrity of designation of origin labels and consumer rights.
Through collaborative efforts between various authorities, the fraudulent scheme has been brought to light, ensuring that wine enthusiasts can have confidence in the origin and authenticity of their chosen bottle.
