A Milton man has been arrested as part of a major Toronto Police investigation that led to the largest known seizure of counterfeit soccer jerseys in Canadian history.
Toronto Police say the investigation uncovered a counterfeit sports merchandise operation with an estimated street value of more than $3.5 million. Officers seized more than 16,000 fraudulent jerseys, flags and other sports-related items, along with two counterfeit FIFA World Cup trophies, during a search of a warehouse in Mississauga.
The investigation began in May after Toronto Police’s FIFA Planning Team Investigative Unit received information from Lipkus Law LLP, a firm specializing in brand protection investigations. Police allege the warehouse was being used to store and distribute counterfeit merchandise, including products bearing FIFA, Nike, Adidas and Puma branding, to retail outlets.
On Tuesday, May 26th, officers executed four Criminal Code search warrants targeting the warehouse, as well as a vehicle and trailers located on the property. The operation involved members of the FIFA Planning Team Investigative Unit, the Public Safety Response Team and brand protection experts.
As a result of the investigation, 41-year-old Ramy Jaber of Milton and 62-year-old Walid Sarhan of Mississauga were arrested and charged with:
- Fraud over $5,000
- Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
- Passing off wares or services with intent to deceive or defraud
- Selling, offering for sale or distributing trademarked goods on a commercial scale
Both men are scheduled to appear in court this summer in Toronto.
Police are reminding consumers to purchase merchandise only from authorized retailers, verify sellers before making purchases, and be cautious of prices that appear too good to be true.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2222, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online.
