Toronto police seize over $3.5 million in alleged counterfeit soccer merchandise
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Toronto police say seizure of alleged counterfeit soccer jerseys is largest in Canadian history - The Globe and Mail
Major Counterfeit Operation Uncovered
Toronto police have announced the largest seizure of alleged counterfeit soccer jerseys in Canadian history, just under two weeks before the start of the FIFA World Cup. The operation, valued at over $3.5 million, led to the arrest of two individuals.
Deputy Chief Robert Johnson stated that the alleged fraudulent products were used to fund organized crime. He described the operation as large-scale, designed to exploit fans and capitalize on their enthusiasm for sports. The investigation began in May after a complaint was filed by Lipkus Law LLP, a firm specializing in brand protection.
Ramy Jaber, 41, of Milton, Ontario, and Walid Sarhan, 62, of Mississauga, were arrested and charged with fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, passing off goods with intent to deceive, and distributing counterfeit merchandise on a commercial scale. They are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in August.
Details of the Seizure and Investigation
Superintendent David Ecklund reported that officers seized more than 16,000 counterfeit jerseys and flags. Additionally, two counterfeit FIFA World Cup trophies were confiscated. Police allege these items were distributed under the name Amana Trading Company.
The products, manufactured overseas, are still under investigation to determine their country of origin. Investigators believe the alleged operation had been running for some time, supplying retailers and acting as a distributor of counterfeit goods. The haul’s estimated street value is $3,564,000.
On May 26, search warrants were executed at a warehouse in Mississauga, a vehicle, and on-site trailers. The seized items included jerseys and flags bearing the names and logos of major brands such as FIFA, Nike, Adidas, and Puma.
Consumer Protection and Ongoing Efforts
David Lipkus, co-founder of Lipkus Law, advised consumers to be cautious when shopping online, particularly through third-party marketplaces or social media platforms. He warned that a premium brand offered at a significantly reduced price is likely a red flag, not a genuine discount.
Lipkus suggested visiting official brand websites and checking for spelling and grammar errors on tags and labels, which often indicate fraudulent products. He noted that investigations can originate from various sources, including customer complaints and marketplace probes.
The Toronto Police Service (TPS) urged the public to contact police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre if they suspect they have purchased counterfeit products. They emphasized that sales of counterfeit merchandise often increase around major sporting events, and the investigation into the distribution network is ongoing. The FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11 and conclude on July 19.
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