UMVA has learned that a massive counterfeit merchandise ring has been dismantled by Toronto Police in a stunning operation that marks the largest seizure of its kind in Canadian history.
The breathtaking haul includes over 16,000 fake name-brand jerseys and flags, as well as two counterfeit FIFA World Cup trophies, with an estimated street value of more than $3.5 million. This daring crime wave was about to get a lot worse, with the FIFA World Cup just two weeks away.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Toronto Police Supt. David Eckland revealed that the police are proactively targeting crimes that tend to spike during major sporting events, including the sale of fraudulent merchandise. The police made two arrests and seized thousands of knock-off sports merchandise, including jerseys and flags.
The seized goods were purported to be from top brands like Nike, adidas, and Puma. It all began on May 12, when a tip from Lipkus Law LLC set off the investigation, leading to the execution of four criminal code search warrants at a warehouse in Mississauga.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the warehouse, operating under the name Amana Trading Company, was selling counterfeit goods to local retailers. The police have warned the public to be vigilant and to look out for red flags, such as spelling and grammar mistakes on product labels and suspiciously low prices.
Lipkus Law representative Davd Lipkus cautioned that "a premium brand at a bargain basement price isn’t a discount, it is a red flag." The police have also urged fans to be cautious and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
The two men arrested, Ramy Jaber, 41, and Walid Sarhan, 62, were charged with multiple counts, including fraud over $5,000 and possession of property obtained by crime. The Toronto Police Service has praised the outstanding work of its members, particularly the FIFA Planning Team Investigative Unit and the Public Safety Response Team.
This historic seizure is a major victory for the Toronto Police, but officials are warning that scammers are still out there, looking to exploit fans and take advantage of their love for sports. The police are urging everyone to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.
