What to know
- Toronto police have seized more than $3.5 million worth of counterfeit sports merchandise in what investigators say is the largest fake soccer jersey bust in Canadian history.
- Officers recovered more than 16,000 counterfeit jerseys, flags and other items, along with two fake FIFA World Cup trophies, from a Mississauga warehouse.
- Two men, Ramy Jaber, 41, of Milton and Walid Sarhan, 62, of Mississauga, have been charged with fraud and trademark-related offences.
- Police are urging fans to buy sports merchandise from authorized retailers and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
Toronto police are warning the public to beware of fraudulent sellers ahead of the FIFA World Cup, after arresting two men and seizing more than $3.5 million worth of counterfeit sports merchandise.
In a press conference on Monday, police unveiled the details of what investigators are calling the largest known seizure of fake soccer jerseys in Canadian history.
An investigation began in May, after the Toronto Police Service FIFA Planning Team Investigative Unit received a complaint from Lipkus Law LLP, a law firm specializing in brand protection investigations and a member of the Canadian Anti-Counterfeiting Network.
Police allege a warehouse in Mississauga was storing and distributing large quantities of counterfeit sporting goods, including jerseys, hats, flags and other merchandise. Investigators say the operation supplied fake products to retail stores and acted as a distributor of counterfeit goods.
After confirming the complaint was credible, officers obtained four search warrants for the warehouse, as well as a vehicle and trailers located on the property.
On May 26, the warrants were executed and police searched the premises.
Officers seized more than 16,000 counterfeit jerseys and flags bearing major sports brands and organizations, including FIFA, Nike, Adidas and Puma. Investigators also recovered two fake FIFA World Cup trophies.
Police estimate the seized merchandise has a street value of approximately $3.56 million.
“This was a large-scale operation designed to exploit fans and take advantage of their love for sports,” Deputy Chief Rob Johnson said at the afternoon press conference. “It is a reminder to fans to be vigilant.”
According to police, Ramy Jaber, 41, of Milton, and Walid Sarhan, 62, of Mississauga, have each been charged with:
- Fraud over $5,000
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Passing off wares or services with intent to deceive or defraud
- Selling, offering for sale or distributing goods on a commercial scale under the Trademarks Act
Police are reminding consumers to be cautious when purchasing sports merchandise, particularly from unauthorized retailers. Officials recommend buying from trusted sellers, verifying retailers online, checking for official packaging and tags, and being wary of prices that appear unusually low.
