6 held as Hong Kong customs seizes HK$156 million in fake World Cup merchandise

About 230,000 counterfeit items seized in ‘Clean Sheet’ operation, most bound for overseas markets

Hong Kong customs has arrested six people over the alleged smuggling and online sale of counterfeit Fifa World Cup merchandise, with an estimated market value of HK$156 million (US$20 million).

The Customs and Excise Department said on Thursday it had uncovered 29 suspected smuggling cases and five online sales cases involving World Cup merchandise in an operation code-named “Clean Sheet”.

The operation, which ran from May 26 to Wednesday, led to the seizure of around 230,000 suspected counterfeit items, including about 30,000 football jerseys. All but around 40 jerseys were seized during enforcement actions related to smuggling.

Other seized products included football shoes, goalkeeper gloves, luxury bags and audio speakers.

“Given that this year’s World Cup is the largest in history, with the highest number of participating teams and matches held across three countries, we anticipate demand for its merchandise from fans and tourists will increase significantly,” said Wayne Chung Tsz-wai, a senior inspector with the department’s intellectual property investigation division.

“Therefore, smuggling of counterfeit products is expected to become more active.”