Million-dollar conviction in Colombia for unfair competition due to the sale of counterfeit cables

Million-dollar conviction due to the sale of Centelsa counterfeit cables

Bogotá, December 2025. After two years of sustained efforts against cable counterfeiting in the electrical market, the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) has issued the largest conviction for unfair competition against a business establishment in Bogotá for selling counterfeit electrical products of the Centelsa by Nexans brand, with damages valued at over 500 million pesos. Additionally, through a civil process, the establishment was seized, effectively halting the illicit activity and sending a strong message to the sector in favor of citizen safety and protection.

This judicial milestone sets a precedent in the fight against the counterfeiting of wires and cables—a practice that endangers lives and household safety, promotes unfair competition, and violates industrial property rights.

In a notable action at the beginning of 2024, and thanks to coordination with the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce and the National Police, one of the first precautionary measures in the country was applied, resulting in the removal from the market of around 1,800 rolls of counterfeit cable, including reels that imitated Centelsa by Nexans. This operation led to the seizure of more than five tons of copper, valued at approximately 300 million pesos, carried out at various locations in Bogotá.

Since then, Centelsa by Nexans has led a strategy of investigation, prevention, and reporting, which today translates into a historic precedent, strengthening consumer protection, industrial property, and fair competition.

Meanwhile, lawyer Andrés Jaramillo Serrano of Martínez Abogados, the firm advising Centelsa by Nexans in this process, stated, “This decision confirms that the commercialization of counterfeit products constitutes acts of unfair competition and violates industrial property and consumer rights. The seizure of the establishment is an effective tool to prevent recurrence and ensure effective measures are taken.”

Cable counterfeiting is a threat to the safety and well-being of all citizens, with devastating consequences in various areas. According to the Superintendence of Public Utilities, historically, 43% of incidents related to illegal energy use have resulted in burns, many with permanent consequences.

As part of this strategy, Centelsa by Nexans has developed a web reporting channel: denunciacablesfalsos.nexans.com/ to confidentially report suspicious establishments or electrical products. If an imminent safety risk is detected, such as ongoing installations with allegedly counterfeit material, it is also recommended to urgently alert local authorities.

In 2026, Centelsa by Nexans will continue working for a safe, efficient, and legal electrical network in Colombia, calling on all actors in the supply chain to verify the authenticity of the products they purchase and install.

About Nexans

Nexans is the global pure player in sustainable electrification, building the essential systems that drive the world’s transition to a connected, resilient, and low-carbon future. From onshore and offshore renewable energy to smart cities and homes, Nexans designs and delivers advanced cabling solutions, accessories, and services that electrify progress safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

With more than 140 years of history and through three main businesses—PWR Transmission, PWR Grid, and PWR Connect—Nexans combines deep industry expertise with cutting-edge innovation to accelerate the energy transition and better meet customer needs. Its unique E3 model, focused on Environment, Economy, and Engagement, guides every action, aligning performance with purpose.

Nexans operates in 41 countries with 28,500 people and generated standard sales of 7.1 billion euros in 2024. As a recognized leader in climate action, Nexans is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and to expanding energy access through the Nexans Foundation.

Nexans has been present in Colombia since 2008 and, in April 2022, completed the acquisition of the Colombian premium cable manufacturer CENTELSA, with the firm purpose of continuing to electrify the future of Colombia and Latin America. Thus, the Group expects to continue consolidating its value proposition throughout the electrification chain, reaffirming itself as a strategic ally in the region’s energy transition.

Nexans is listed on Euronext Paris, Compartment A.
www.nexans.com | #ElectrifyTheFuture