TORONTO – With the World Cup just days away, law enforcement in Toronto has announced they’ve completed what officials are calling Canada’s biggest-ever bust of fake soccer merchandise.
Authorities confiscated more than C$3.5 million ($2.53 million) in counterfeit items from a warehouse facility in Mississauga, according to police statements released Monday. The haul included over 16,000 fake jerseys and flags displaying unauthorized FIFA, Nike, Adidas and Puma logos, along with two replica World Cup trophies.
Police have taken two men into custody in connection with the operation.
The city is preparing to welcome over 300,000 visitors for World Cup festivities, with six games scheduled to take place locally, including Canada’s opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12.
The investigation began after the Toronto Police Service FIFA Planning Team Investigative Unit received a tip in May claiming the suspects were distributing fake merchandise to retail outlets throughout the area.
Authorities estimate the confiscated goods would have sold for approximately C$3,564,000 on the street.
