An operation announced on 21 February 2025 by the financial police led to the seizure of over 3,600 counterfeit pallets belonging to a Milan-based company specialising in the recovery and recycling of metal scrap and waste materials. The intervention, ordered by the public prosecutor's office of Milan and carried out by the provincial command of the financial police, also included the shutdown of the company's website, following a ruling issued by the investigating judge. The investigation, conducted by the Economic and Financial Police Unit of Milan, revealed a systematic violation of regulations governing the production and sale of certified pallets. The company had been manufacturing, advertising and selling pallets bearing the Epal, Fitok and Ippc/Fao trademarks despite having lost the relevant authorisations. These trademarks ensure quality, safety and compliance with international phytosanitary regulations, certifying that the wood used is free from harmful organisms. The investigation also highlighted how the company misled numerous customers, who believed they were purchasing products compliant with the sector’s certification requirements.
