Have you recently purchased a soccer jersey? Police say you may want to double check that it’s legitimate
Toronto police on Monday announced the seizure of over $3.5 million worth of counterfeit soccer merchandise — the largest seizure of its kind in Canada.
During a press conference this afternoon, police said the fake merchandise was discovered in a Mississauga warehouse operated by Amana Trading Company on May 26.
The company was selling the counterfeit gear to retail stores under the guise of it being legitimate, police said.
David Lipkus, the co-founder of Lipkus Law LLP (which alerted Toronto police to the counterfeit goods), said retailers did not know they were purchasing fake merchandise.
Investigators seized around 16,000 name-brand fake jerseys and flags — including FIFA, Nike, Adidas and Puma — and two counterfeit FIFA World Cup trophies. Knock-off branded hats and other sporting goods were also seized.
Police said it is common to see an increase in counterfeit merchandise around large sporting events, like the FIFA World Cup, which is less than two weeks away and kicks off in Toronto on June 12.
Boxes containing counterfeit soccer merchandise were seized from a warehouse in Mississauga on May 26, 2026. Toronto Police Service
Toronto police Supt. David Ecklund said the service “is proactively targeting crimes that tend to spike during major sporting events, including the sale of fraudulent merchandise.”
Two men have been arrested in connection to the sale of the counterfeit merchandise.
Ramy Jaber, a 41-year-old from Milton, and Walid Sarhan, 62, of Mississauga, have both been charged with several offences including fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by a crime over $5,000 and passing off wares or services with intent to deceive or defraud.
Both men are scheduled to appear in court at the Ontario Court of Justice on Aug. 17.
Deputy Chief Rob Johnson said the fraud was “a large-scale operation designed to exploit fans and take advantage of their love for sports.”
“This seizure is a reminder to fans, be vigilant. Take a closer look before purchasing merchandise to support your favorite team,” he said.
During the press conference, Lipkus issued a straightforward warning to sports fans in Toronto: “A premium brand at a bargain basement price isn’t a discount; it’s a red flag.”
Ecklund said proceeds of this sort of fraud are commonly used to fund organized crime, including human trafficking.
“We want people to feel confident they’re buying authentic products and not scammed by cheap fakes,” he said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2222, or to file an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers online or at 416-222-TIPS (8477).
How to avoid buying counterfeit sports gear
Toronto police said locals should take several precautions when buying sports merchandise.
Buyers should only purchase from trusted sellers and look for official tags and packaging.
Investigators said fake merchandise may include spelling and grammar mistakes on the product or its tags, or the material may feel like it’s cheaply produced.
When shopping online or at third-party marketplaces, buyers should start by looking up the standard retail price for an item.
The advice from Toronto police is simple. “If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
Anyone who may have unknowingly purchased counterfeit goods should contact the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.