More than 4,000 pieces of counterfeit sports merchandise, which would be worth over $1.43 million if genuine, was seized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in Cincinnati last month ahead of Super Bowl LIV.
According to a statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, officers uncovered counterfeit memorabilia, including jerseys, hats, coins, jewelry, footwear and bags. Of the 85 shipments seized, primarily originating from China and Hong Kong, 30 contained fake NFL, MLB and MLS jerseys, which would be worth $232,000 if legitimate.
The items infringed upon trademarks held by the Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, Al-Nassr FC, Atlanta Braves and Seattle Mariners, among others.
One shipment held 156 Ravens jerseys headed for a residence in Jensen Beach, Fla. The jerseys’ cheap materials and lack of details tipped off authorities to their fraudulent nature. Another package contained 80 Las Vegas Raiders commemorative coins.
“CBP promotes fair and compliant trade,” Cincinnati port director Eric Zizelman said in a statement. “Buying these dupes not only supports criminal organizations but defrauds legitimate American businesses. Our officers here in Cincinnati work 24 hours a day detecting and intercepting threats on American consumers.”
The items were deemed counterfeit by the agency’s Centers for Excellence and Expertise.
Will Stern is a reporter and editor for cllct.