Toronto police seized more than 16,000 counterfeit soccer jerseys and related merchandise on June 1, 2026 [3].
The operation comes less than two weeks before the start of the FIFA World Cup. Authorities are working to protect legitimate businesses and consumers from fraudulent goods during a period of peak demand for sports apparel.
Police arrested two men during the crackdown [4]. The seizure took place at a warehouse in Mississauga [3]. The haul is the largest of its kind in the country, with the total value of the goods estimated between $2.5 million [1] and $3.5 million [2].
"This is the largest seizure of counterfeit soccer jerseys in Canadian history," said a Toronto Police Service spokesperson.
Detective Sergeant Lisa Chen said the operation targeted a network that was flooding the market with fake jerseys and flags. The police effort focused on enforcing intellectual-property laws to prevent the distribution of these items to fans.
Police Chief Mark Saunders said the department is taking strong action to protect fans and legitimate businesses as the World Cup approaches. The investigation into the distribution network is ongoing.
Officials said the volume of merchandise indicates a coordinated effort to capitalize on the upcoming tournament. The seizure of these items prevents millions of dollars in potential losses for authorized brands, and ensures fans do not purchase substandard goods.
“"This is the largest seizure of counterfeit soccer jerseys in Canadian history,"”
This operation highlights the surge in intellectual-property theft that typically precedes major global sporting events. By disrupting a large-scale distribution hub in Mississauga, Toronto police have signaled a zero-tolerance approach to counterfeit networks attempting to exploit the high demand and tourist influx associated with the FIFA World Cup.
