Before the World Cup Whistle… Toronto Seizes More Than $3.5M in Counterfeit Soccer Merchandise
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Toronto Police have announced the seizure of counterfeit sports merchandise with an estimated street value of more than C$3.5 million, in what officials described as the largest known seizure of counterfeit soccer jerseys in Canadian history ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Police said the investigation began in May 2026 after the Toronto Police Service FIFA Planning Team Investigative Unit received a complaint about a warehouse in Mississauga allegedly holding a large quantity of fraudulent sports merchandise intended for distribution to retail stores.
Search warrants were executed on May 26, leading officers to seize more than 16,000 fraudulent jerseys, flags, and sports items falsely carrying FIFA, Nike, Adidas, and Puma branding, along with two counterfeit FIFA World Cup trophies. Police estimated the street value of the seized goods at C$3,564,000.
Two Ontario men, 41-year-old Ramy Jaber of Milton and 62-year-old Walid Sarhan of Mississauga, were arrested and charged with several offences, including fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime, passing off goods with intent to deceive or defraud, and selling or distributing goods on a commercial scale under the Trademarks Act. The charges have not been proven in court.
The seizure comes as Toronto prepares to host six World Cup matches in 2026, with more than 300,000 visitors expected during the tournament. The timing raises concerns that counterfeit sellers may try to exploit fans’ excitement and demand for team merchandise.
Police are urging fans to buy only from trusted and authorized sellers, check for official tags and packaging, verify sellers online, and be cautious when prices appear too good to be true.
