In Italy, authorities have confiscated counterfeit vintage consoles and games valued at nearly €50 million

Authorities in Italy have confiscated counterfeit old-school gaming systems and titles valued at €47.5 million.

According to BBC News, nearly 12,000 systems loaded with over 47 million fake video games, including franchises like Super Mario Bros., Street Fighter, and Star Wars, were apprehended.

Alessandro Langella, who leads the economic crime division at Turin's financial police, indicated that these counterfeit consoles came from China, intended for sale through specialized retailers and online platforms.

The devices contained uncertified electrical parts and were destroyed due to non-compliance with European safety regulations.

Nine individuals have been detained on charges related to counterfeit commerce, potentially facing up to eight years in prison.

Earlier in the year, Square Enix announced that nine individuals had been charged in connection with the distribution of fake merchandise in China, which included items featuring characters from Final Fantasy and Nier: Automata.