Big football events always create a rush for:
That demand opens a lane for criminal networks. The report says officers seized about 16,000 counterfeit jerseys and flags, along with fake World Cup trophies, hats and other sporting goods. It also says the stock had been supplied to retailers as if it were genuine.
That point matters. Counterfeiting is not only a street-stall problem. Once fake stock reaches ordinary shops or online listings, supporters can be caught out without realising it.
The consumer advice is simple, but it is often ignored in the rush before a major tournament:
For football fans, fake merchandise is more than a disappointing purchase. It can mean poor quality, no consumer protection and money flowing into wider criminal activity. The report says police warned that profits from this trade are often linked to organised crime.
This is also a brand-protection issue for football. Major tournaments rely on trusted retail channels, licensed suppliers and fan confidence. If counterfeit goods flood the market, the damage spreads from supporters to retailers and rightsholders alike.
The next storyline to watch is whether enforcement tightens further as the World Cup gets closer. With demand rising fast in Toronto, supporters will want the real thing - and authorities appear determined to make sure the fake market does not get the same stage.