Toronto Police Seize $2.5 Million in Fraudulent Soccer Merchandise Ahead of World Cup
Record-Breaking Counterfeit Seizure and World Cup Preparations
Largest Known Seizure of Counterfeit Soccer Jerseys in Canada
TORONTO, June 1 (Reuters) - Less than two weeks before the World Cup kicks off, Toronto Police announced on Monday that they made the largest known seizure of counterfeit soccer jerseys in Canadian history.
Details of the Seizure
Officers seized over C$3.5 million ($2.53 million) worth of counterfeit merchandise from a Mississauga warehouse, they said, including more than 16,000 fraudulent jerseys and flags bearing fake FIFA, Nike, Adidas and Puma branding, as well as two counterfeit World Cup trophies.
Arrests and Charges
Two men have been arrested and charged, the police said.
Impact on Toronto and the World Cup
Visitor Expectations and Matches
Toronto is expecting more than 300,000 visitors during the World Cup with six matches to be played in the city, including Canada's opener against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12.
Investigation and Allegations
A complaint to the Toronto Police Service FIFA Planning Team Investigative Unit in May alleged that the accused were supplying products to retail stores and acting as a distributor of fraudulent merchandise.
Estimated Street Value
The items have an estimated street value of C$3,564,000, police said.
Additional Information
Currency Exchange Rate
($1 = 1.3831 Canadian dollars)
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Nicole Fernandes in Toronto; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
