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Madrid Raid Nets 600,000 Counterfeit Toys

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Police seize 600,000 counterfeit toys. Credit: Policia Nacional

Spanish National Police officers have dismantled a large-scale distribution network dealing in counterfeit merchandise across the Community of Madrid. The operation resulted in the seizure of more than 600,000 toys and promotional items. These products illegally featured branding, mainly targeting the hit series Stranger Things.

Five warehouses targeted

The police action involved five simultaneous inspections in industrial zones within Getafe, Fuenlabrada, and Parla. During these searches, investigators discovered 25 tonnes of unauthorised goods. The inventory included a wide variety of items, specifically soft toys and keyrings, all intended for immediate commercial distribution.

The investigation began in February 2026. Detectives identified a pattern of suspicious shipments originating from China. These imports relied on falsified identification data and inaccurate contact information, a tactic designed to frustrate law enforcement efforts. Initial interventions focused on 72 boxes containing merchandise tied to the popular global media production.

Arrests in Parla and Fuenlabrada

Following the initial discovery, police tracked the logistics chain to a central hub in Parla. This led to the arrest of two suspects: the man renting the primary storage unit and a woman tasked with processing incoming orders. Both individuals are now under judicial investigation for alleged crimes against industrial property.

The scope of the operation grew as officers extended their search to several logistics companies. This secondary phase yielded another 36 boxes containing 16,000 additional fake products linked to the same criminal group.

Health risks for children

Beyond the financial impact on trademark owners, the National Police issued a stern warning regarding public safety. The seized toys are of vastly inferior quality compared to authentic versions. Expert analysis confirmed that the items are flimsy and lack the basic safety certifications required for sale within the European market.

Because the materials are so fragile, they break apart with minimal force. This creates a high probability of small parts becoming detached, presenting a lethal choking hazard or a risk of chemical poisoning for minors. By seizing these goods before they reached shop shelves, authorities have mitigated a significant threat to local consumers.

Stay informed on the latest news from Madrid by visiting our dedicated regional page.

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Festival Of Legends Brings ABBA

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ABBA fans may want to dust off their dancing shoes and warm up their vocal cords, because Festival of Legends is set to arrive at Casino Torrequebrada on Sunday April 19 with a tribute show packed with some of the Swedish group’s best-known hits.

The concert is opening up a new series of live shows at the venue, with organisers promising a programme dedicated to hosting a run of iconic music legends. First up is an evening centred on the hugely popular ABBA, giving fans the chance to relive classics including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Waterloo, Chiquitita and many more. 

Any fans of the iconic pop band will find it impossible not to sing along

If you have ever found it impossible not to sing along when those opening notes kick in, this one looks designed to deliver exactly that kind of feel-good atmosphere. Whether you are a lifelong ABBA fan, have kids new to the songs from the films or are simply partial to a bit of pop nostalgia, the opening show will be ready for you with a lively evening of familiar tunes and big chorus moments.

Ticket prices listed are €20 in advance plus booking fees, or €25 on the door. Doors are due to open at 5.30pm, with the show beginning at 6.30pm.

Ticket holders not only get a fun filled evening, they will receive a surprise gift, as well as two hours of free parking. A bar and restaurant service will be available, and the promotion also mentions a 10 per cent discount at the restaurant.

For ABBA music fans, it could be the perfect excuse for a Sunday outing to close off the weekend with a little extra glitter, plenty of nostalgia and more than a few chances to join in when the chorus kicks in. 

Reservations for the Festival of Legends ABBA evening on April 19 are being taken on +34 633 647 260.

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Young Engineers Hold STEM Day Workshop

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Families in Estepona looking for an educational activity during April will have the chance to sign children up for a special Children’s Day celebration workshop on Saturday, April 18, organised by Young Engineers Estepona.

The workshop has been organised to mark Children’s Day, aimed at children aged six and above and will take place from 11am to 1pm at Academia Elite Brain in Estepona.

The organisers describe the session as an opportunity for children to learn and create while enjoying a hands-on activity. Boys and girls aged six and over are invited to take part in what it calls a special Children’s Day experience, where they can discover, build and have fun while developing creativity and ingenuity.

The workshops are designed for primary school students

Young Engineers is part of the Young Engineers network, which offers engineering-based extracurricular activities for children in countries around the world, specialising in robotics workshops designed for primary school students, using practical and interactive methods to introduce key STEM concepts.

STEM refers to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and the organisation says its programmes are designed to help children develop skills including critical thinking, problem solving, creativity and teamwork.

Their website lists a range of programmes for different age groups, with activities available for children from 4 to 15 years old. Session lengths vary depending on the programme, ranging from 45 minutes to 90 minutes.

The programmes offer practical learning activities

It’s a big organisation, with Young Engineers operating in more than 100 countries. The company says its mission is to prepare students aged 4 to 15 for the growing demands of the 21st-century workplace. It also states that the programme has been recognised by the Harvard School of Education and the European Union Commission.

For local families who would like to sample what they have to offer, the April 18 workshop is the perfect day for little ones to combine a Children’s Day celebration with a practical learning activity. 

The event takes place at Academia Elite Brain in Estepona from 11am to 1pm on Saturday, April 18. The price is €30 and bookings are being taken via WhatsApp on +34 672 539 104. For more information about the company you can visit their website

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Marbella’s Young Entrepreneurs Triumph At Pool Of Talents 2026

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Kerim presents F925 to sharks at Marbella Pool of Talents 2026. Credit: EWN

Pool of Talents celebrated its 2026 finals on the morning of Saturday, April 11, at The Pool venue above El Corte Inglés in Marbella. Over 100 excited attendees packed the space to witness eight ambitious student startups pitch live to a professional and highly successful investor jury in a high-stakes showdown.

Pool of talents empowers Marbella’s next generation entrepreneurs

University-level student-led from its inception, Pool of Talents connects internationally educated youth aged 16 to 21 with practical pathways into business, technology, finance and creative industries. Internships with leading Marbella firms, industry site visits, case competitions and expert talks serve to equip participants with real skills before university. Its flagship programme, the Marbella Youth Entrepreneurship Cup, or MEC for short, stands out as the annual highlight.

Shark tank concept propels innovative pitches

MEC 2026 mirrored classic shark tank formats with precision, giving a competitive dynamic to drive the young entrepreneurs as much as entertain the audience. Young entrepreneurs formed teams, carefully created viable company ideas, received mentor guidance and delivered sharp three-minute pitches to a panel of three experienced business investors. Eight finalists competed for €3,000 seed funding and six months of professional mentorship, transforming classroom theories into market-ready proposals under real pressure, facing a real audience.

Marbella's budding entrepreneurs triumph at Pool of Talents 2026 finals Euro Weekly News

Karim Rebeiz snatches victory with F925.

Karim Rebeiz from Madrid claimed top honours with his already successful and up-and-running F925 venture. Judges selected the cheeky entry (F925 – standing for F*** 9 to 5 jobs) after intense scrutiny, praising its originality and already established success. Winning at the Marbella event instantly boosted visibility for the winner and revealed the calibre of emerging local talent.

Events like MEC nurture economic growth

Such competitions cultivate leadership, critical thinking and networking abilities essential for tomorrow’s economy. Pool of Talents initiatives give students genuine exposure to investors and industry leaders, accelerating innovation and confidence. Marbella benefits directly as these young business talents gain tools to launch ventures, create jobs and strengthen the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem for decades to come.

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