Police in Spain and Italy seize 5,000 litres of adulterated olive oil in raids

International gang allegedly sought to pass off lower-quality oils as virgin and extra virgin

Police in Spain and Italy have arrested 11 people and seized more than 5,000 litres of adulterated olive oil after breaking up an international gang that allegedly sought to profit by passing off cheap oils as their more expensive equivalents.

The investigation, carried out by the Guardia Civil in conjunction with Italy’s carabinieri fand Europol, led to raids in both countries and the searching of olive-processing cooperatives in the Spanish provinces of Ciudad Real, Jaén and Córdoba.