Hong Kong customs seized 230,000 suspected counterfeit items valued at about $20 million just hours before the World Cup began, including an estimated 30,000 jerseys that closely resembled authentic player shirts. Nearly 80% of the goods were bound for the Americas, and authorities also confiscated footwear, watches, speakers and handbags. A truck driver and five others were arrested and later released on bail; penalties for dealing in counterfeit goods include up to five years in prison and a roughly $64,000 fine.
Just Before Kickoff: Hong Kong Customs Seize $20M in Suspected World Cup Counterfeits
Hong Kong customs authorities showcase real jersey, left, and fake jersey, right, during a news conference at its headquarters in North Point, Hong Kong Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Kanis Leung)(AP Photo/Kanis Leung)
Hours before the World Cup kicked off, Hong Kong customs announced the seizure of 230,000 suspected counterfeit items valued at an estimated $20 million, including roughly 30,000 jerseys tied to the tournament.
Hong Kong customs authorities showcase various types of fake goods they seized during a news conference at its headquarters in North Point, Hong Kong Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Kanis Leung)(AP Photo/Kanis Leung)
Wayne Chung, a senior inspector at Hong Kong’s customs department, said some of the jerseys were so finely made that they were difficult to distinguish from authentic player shirts. He noted most appeared to be counterfeit versions of player jerseys, which typically retail for more than fan-edition shirts because of superior design and higher-quality materials.
Wayne Chung, a senior inspector of Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, speaks to reportersat their headquarters in North Point, Hong Kong Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Kanis Leung)(AP Photo/Kanis Leung)
Authorities said nearly 80% of the confiscated goods were destined for overseas markets, primarily the Americas, where the United States, Mexico and Canada are jointly hosting the World Cup. Mexico was scheduled to play South Africa in the tournament opener.
Soccer boots are showcased by Hong Kong customs authorities in a new conference about counterfeit and infringing goods at their headquarters in North Point, Hong Kong Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Kanis Leung)(AP Photo/Kanis Leung)
The operation, which partly took place at logistics centers from late May into early June, also recovered footwear, watches, speakers and handbags. Officials displayed items modeled on Louis Vuitton handbags and Rolex watches at a news briefing.
Handbags are showcased by Hong Kong customs authorities in a new conference about counterfeit and infringing goods at their headquarters in North Point, Hong Kong Thursday, June 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Kanis Leung)(AP Photo/Kanis Leung)
As part of the enforcement action, a truck driver was arrested at a border checkpoint on a bridge linking Hong Kong with mainland China and Macao. Five additional people were detained in connection with alleged online sales of fake jerseys; all have since been released on bail. Investigations into the origin and supply chains of the goods are ongoing.
Chung warned that anyone who imports, exports, sells or possesses counterfeit goods for sale can face up to five years in prison and a fine of about $64,000 if convicted. Authorities emphasized the public-safety and brand-protection reasons for the crackdown, urging consumers to buy from authorized retailers.
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