Twelve people, including several teenagers, have been arrested over the past two weeks as police and customs officials crack down on the sale of fake designer goods, broadcaster RTL said.

The investigation involved searches on homes all over the country. In total, officials seized almost 3,500 items, including shoes, articles of clothing, watches and perfume. The fake goods, purporting to come from brands such as Nike, Adidas, Kenzo and Canada Goose, have been destroyed, RTL said.

The goods were being offered for sale via social media networks such as Facebook and Instagram, as well as trading platforms like Alibaba and Aliexpres. Some of the sellers had over 20,000 followers on their accounts, which have now been closed down.

Police also seized bank accounts and some €26,000 in cash plus several weapons, including knuckle dusters and tasers.

All 12 people arrested have been released and two have already been given community service sentences of 40 and 160 hours.