A record $13.6 million of counterfeit merchandise from this past year has been seized by the NFL and the government thanks to “Operation Red Zone”.
“Operation Red Zone” has been cracking down on fake merchandise that includes jerseys, hats and most recently Super Bowl memorabilia reports ESPN. This includes a bust back in September in Warwick, R.I. The bust seized 226 boxes that contained 4,016 counterfeit jerseys.
160,000 Super Bowl items have been discovered over the past few days. The operation will continue this week in New Orleans, where the Super Bowl is located, and around the nation.
“The Super Bowl is one of the nation’s most exciting events. Organized criminals are preying on that excitement, ripping consumers off with counterfeit merchandise and stealing from the American businesses who have worked hard to build a trusted brand,” said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director John Morton.
According to Claims Journal, law enforcement officials have seized 313 websites selling counterfeit merchandise. The websites are now in government custody, and visitors of the websites will find a seizure band that informs them of copyright laws.
“The sale of counterfeit jerseys and other sports items undermines the legitimate economy, takes jobs away from Americans and fuels crime overseas,” said Morton. “No good comes of counterfeiting American products — whether NFL jerseys, airbags, or pharmaceuticals — and we must go after the criminals behind it.”
The counterfeit material is shipped for free from Asia and can sell for as little as $20 compared to an official Nike NFL jersey that is marked at $135. Costumers of the knockoff merchandise can have their order within eight to 10 days.