Massive Video Game Trafficking Ring Busted in Italy, Seizing Counterfeit Consoles and Games Worth Over $55 Million

Italian police have successfully dismantled a major video game trafficking ring, resulting in the seizure of fake vintage consoles and games with an estimated value of nearly 50 million euros ($55.5 million). The operation targeted counterfeit versions of popular titles from the 1980s and 90s, including iconic games like Mario Bros., Street Fighter, and Star Wars.

The pirated consoles, imitations of Nintendo, Sega, and Atari devices, failed to meet strict safety standards and were deemed non-compliant with EU technical regulations. The surge in popularity of retro gaming, where new versions of old video games and consoles have gained significant traction, has contributed to the demand for these counterfeit products.

Head of the economic crime unit for Turin’s financial police, Alessandro Langella, revealed that approximately 12,000 consoles, containing over 47 million pirated video games, were confiscated during the operation. The total value of the haul, which includes the consoles and hundreds of licenses for the pirated programs, is estimated at 47.5 million euros ($52.5 million). All the seized games have been destroyed.

The illicit consoles and games were imported from China and intended for sale in specialized shops or online platforms. However, these devices were equipped with non-certified batteries and electrical circuits, posing potential safety risks to consumers.

As a result of the operation, nine Italian nationals have been arrested and charged with trading in counterfeit goods. If convicted, they could face up to eight years in prison.

The phenomenon of retro gaming has gained significant popularity and commercial expansion, as evidenced by the over 170 million posts under the hashtag #retrogaming on TikTok. The demand for old games and second-hand consoles remains high, with online listings offering working Super Nintendo systems with games ranging from £100 ($131) to £275, depending on their condition.

It is worth noting that the record-breaking sale of a sealed copy of the video game Super Mario 64 for over $1.5 million at auction in 2021 further highlights the market’s enthusiasm for retro gaming.