Feds seize $28 million in fake NFL gear ahead of Super Bowl

Federal investigators have recovered $28 million worth of fake NFL merchandise ahead of the Super Bowl between the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers this weekend.

The Department of Homeland Security’s National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, or IPR Center, announced ahead of the big game in Las Vegas that federal law enforcement agents have taken 94,000 counterfeit sports-related items off the streets.

“Thanks to our partnerships with the NFL and major sporting leagues, Operation Team Player is the biggest anti-counterfeiting initiative within the federal government,” said James Mancuso, IPR Center director, in a statement.

The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) / U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Mancuso said the DHS and NFL teamed up to sack importers of fake sports goods, including jerseys, hats, and rings.

Federal and state law enforcement issued a stern warning this week to consumers to be on the lookout for deals that seemed too good to be true.

The National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center) / U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford warned at a press conference in Las Vegas earlier this week that the state had recently enhanced penalties for people caught selling or distributing fake items.

“Make no mistake about it: If you engage in peddling this counterfeit merchandise in Nevada, we will go after you,” said Ford.

Ford said his office, along with DHS agents, captured nearly $1 million worth of goods in a sting operation last weekend.

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The NFL’s senior vice president for legal affairs, Dolores DiBella, said the league was grateful for the federal government’s work targeting counterfeiters.

“With building excitement for the first Super Bowl game played in Las Vegas, the NFL is deeply appreciative of our partnership with the IPR Center, [Homeland Security Investigations], [U.S. Customs and Border Protection] and Las Vegas area law enforcement,” DiBella said in a statement. “Their dedication and tireless efforts through Operation Team Player have resulted in successful year-round strategies that help protect NFL fans from counterfeit scams.”

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