Home / Crime and Justice / World Cup Knockoff Bust: C$3.5M Seized in Canada
World Cup Knockoff Bust: C$3.5M Seized in Canada
2 Jun
Summary
- Over 16,000 counterfeit jerseys and flags were seized.
- The seizure included two fake World Cup trophies.
- The merchandise had an estimated street value of C$3,564,000.
Toronto Police recently executed the largest counterfeit merchandise seizure in Canadian history, discovering over 16,000 fraudulent jerseys and flags in a Mississauga warehouse. This significant bust occurred less than two weeks before the World Cup's commencement. The seized items bear fake branding from major sports companies like FIFA, Nike, Adidas, and Puma, and alarmingly include two counterfeit World Cup trophies.
The operation followed a complaint received in May by the Toronto Police Service FIFA Planning Team Investigative Unit. This unit alleged that the arrested individuals were distributing counterfeit products to retail stores. The estimated street value of the confiscated merchandise exceeds C$3.5 million, with two men now facing charges.
Toronto is preparing to host numerous visitors for the World Cup, with six matches scheduled in the city, including Canada's opening game on June 12. This seizure highlights ongoing efforts to combat illicit merchandise ahead of major sporting events.
