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Toronto Police Raid Warehouse, Seize Over 16,000 Counterfeit World Cup Items

Toronto authorities are tracing the overseas supply chain to halt distribution of fake fan gear before the city hosts World Cup matches.

Overview

  • Police executed search warrants on May 26 at a Mississauga warehouse and recovered more than 16,000 jerseys, flags and related items that investigators say were counterfeit.
  • Officers estimate the seized goods have a street value of about CA$3.5 million and included branding for FIFA, Nike, Adidas and Puma as well as two fake World Cup trophies.
  • Two men, Ramy Jaber, 41, of Milton, and Walid Sarhan, 62, of Mississauga, were arrested and charged with fraud over $5,000 and multiple trademark- and fraud-related offences.
  • Investigators allege the operation acted as a distributor supplying retail outlets, identified sales under the name Amana Trading Company, and are working to confirm the products’ overseas origin.
  • Police warned that large counterfeit operations can fund other crimes, urged fans to buy only from authorized sellers, and said the accused are due in court in August.