Toronto Police Deputy Chief Robert Johnson speaks at a press conference announcing the seizure of counterfeit soccer merchandise in Toronto on Monday.Sammy Kogan/The Globe and Mail
Toronto police announced what they described as the largest seizure of counterfeit soccer jerseys in Canadian history, less than two weeks before the start of the FIFA World Cup.
Deputy Chief Robert Johnson told a news conference that police arrested two men in connection with a counterfeit sports merchandise operation worth more than $3.5-million. Police alleged that proceeds from the fraudulent products were used to fund organized crime.
“This was a large-scale operation, designed to exploit fans and take advantage of their love for sports,” Deputy Chief Johnson told a news conference on Monday.
Ramy Jaber, 41, of Milton, Ont., and Walid Sarhan, 62, of Mississauga were both arrested and charged with fraud over $5,000 and several other offences.
Superintendent David Ecklund said officers seized more than 16,000 counterfeit jerseys and flags, along with two counterfeit FIFA World Cup trophies, which police allege were distributed under the name Amana Trading Company. The Toronto Police Service said the products were manufactured overseas, though investigators are still working to determine their country of origin.
Police say the seizure of the alleged counterfeit soccer jerseys is largest in Canadian history.Sammy Kogan/The Globe and Mail
“Given the size of the seizure, we believe the two men were running the scam for some time,” Superintendent Ecklund said.
“We want people to feel confident they’re buying authentic products and not scammed by cheap fakes.”
The international men’s soccer tournament begins June 11 and runs until July 19, with games being played in Toronto and Vancouver, as well as other cities in the United States and Mexico.
Ask us your questions about the World Cup
Investigators said a complaint from Lipkus Law LLP to the TPS’s FIFA Planning Team Investigative Unit triggered the investigation in May. The law firm specializes in brand protection investigations and is a member of the Canadian Anti-Counterfeiting Network.
The complaint alleged that a warehouse in Mississauga contained a large quantity of counterfeit goods, including sports jerseys, hats, flags and other merchandise. Investigators believe the operation supplied retailers and acted as a distributor of counterfeit products.
On May 26, officers executed search warrants at the warehouse and seized counterfeit jerseys and flags bearing the names and logos of major brands, including FIFA, Nike, Adidas and Puma, as well as the two counterfeit trophies, police said.
David Lipkus, co-founder of Lipkus Law, told the news conference that consumers shopping online through third-party marketplaces or social-media platforms should pay close attention to prices.
“A premium brand at a bargain-basement price, it’s not a discount – it’s a red flag,” Mr. Lipkus said. He advised people to visit the brands’ websites and to watch for spelling and grammar mistakes on all tags and labelling, which are likely signs of fraudulent products.
Mr. Lipkus declined to explain how the alleged operation was uncovered. However, he said investigations can begin through a variety of channels, such as customer complaints and marketplace probes.
“There are many ways that matters are brought to my law firm’s attention,” Mr. Lipkus said.
TPS urged the public to contact police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre if they suspect they have purchased counterfeit products. Police said that counterfeit merchandise sales often increase around major sporting events, and also stated the investigation into the distribution network continues.
In a press release, TPS advised consumers to purchase merchandise from trusted retailers and look for official tags and packaging.
“If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is,” police said.
The two accused are scheduled to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in August. In addition to fraud, they are also charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, passing off goods with intent to deceive, and distributing counterfeit merchandise on a commercial scale.
Ask us your questions about the World Cup
FIFA frenzy is taking hold, and on Tuesday, June 9 at 1 p.m. ET, our soccer experts are answering your questions about the 2026 men’s tournament. From Canada’s chances at a deep run to new rules and the politics of co-hosting with the U.S. and Mexico, submit your questions in the form below or send an e-mail to audience@globeandmail.com with “World Cup question” in the subject line.