HONG KONG (AP) — Hours before the game world cup Hong Kong authorities announced they had seized 230,000 items of suspected counterfeit merchandise, including jerseys related to the tournament, worth an estimated $20 million.
The jerseys seized included about 30,000 jerseys, some so elaborately made that they were indistinguishable from genuine team shirts, said Senior Inspector Wayne Chan. Hong Kong customs authorities said on Thursday.
Wayne Chan, a senior inspector at the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, speaks to reporters on Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Canis Leung)
Hong Kong Customs officials show off handbags at a press conference on Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Kanis Leung)
Hong Kong Customs authorities will display various types of counterfeit goods at a press conference on Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Kanis Leung)
Most are copies of real player jerseys, he said, and are generally better designed and made from higher-quality materials than fan editions, making them more expensive.
All of these were destined for overseas markets, with nearly 80% destined for the Americas, where the World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
mexico and south africa Play the opening game of the tournament on Thursday.
Footwear, watches, speakers and handbags were also seized in the operation, some of which took place at a distribution center in late May and early June. Products modeled after Louis Vuitton handbags and Rolex watches were unveiled at a press conference Thursday.
Chong said he believed these other seized items were probably intended to meet tourist demand elsewhere. Authorities are still investigating the source of the goods.
The truck driver was arrested at a border crossing on a bridge connecting Hong Kong to mainland China and neighboring casino hub Macau. Five more people have been arrested in connection with the online sale of fake jerseys. All were released on bail.
Chong said anyone who imports, exports, sells or possesses for sale counterfeit goods faces up to five years in prison and a fine of about $64,000 if convicted.
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AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup
