Hong Kong Customs Seizes HK$156M in Counterfeit World Cup Goods

Hong Kong Customs has apprehended six individuals in connection with a significant seizure of counterfeit football merchandise valued at HK$156 million. The operation, named "Clean Sheet," uncovered approximately 230,000 fake items, including high-quality replica player jerseys, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The arrests involved a driver stopped at border crossings and five others suspected of online sales of the counterfeit goods.

Authorities indicated that a substantial portion of the seized items, estimated at 80 percent, were intended for export to the Americas. The value of the individual counterfeit player jerseys, which closely mimicked authentic designs, ranged from HK$1,100 to HK$1,300. The suspects have been released on bail while investigations continue.

This action by Hong Kong Customs highlights ongoing efforts to combat the significant trade in counterfeit goods, particularly those associated with major global sporting events like the World Cup, protecting intellectual property and consumer interests.