HELSINKI — Authorities in Latvia announced on Thursday that they have opened criminal proceedings against two individuals from Lithuania who are accused of producing and distributing counterfeit Ariel laundry detergent throughout Europe as part of a larger organized crime operation.

In November 2023, Latvian law enforcement, in collaboration with customs and tax officials, discovered a significant manufacturing operation in a residential neighborhood of Riga, the capital city of Latvia. During the raid, authorities uncovered a facility where counterfeit Ariel laundry products were stored and packaged. The police provided images of the operation on their social media platforms.

The operation revealed a warehouse containing an impressive 22 metric tons of imitation washing powder and liquid detergent that falsely bore the Ariel brand. Additionally, authorities found packaging materials, labels, and fraudulent shipping documentation.

On the recent announcement, Latvian police confirmed the completion of their investigation, revealing that the two suspects, born in 1978 and 1990, are facing charges related to “illegal production of counterfeit products, unauthorized usage of a trademark, and forgery.” They are also accused of intentionally using and distributing items bearing a forged trademark.

These individuals are suspected of being linked to a broader organized crime syndicate that has focused on manufacturing and selling counterfeit Ariel products across the continent. If found guilty, they could potentially spend up to six years in prison.

Authorities in Latvia estimate that these criminal actions resulted in a financial loss exceeding 739,000 euros, equivalent to about $781,000, for Procter & Gamble, the company that owns the Ariel brand.