Toronto Police have arrested two men after officers seized more than $3.5 million worth of allegedly counterfeit sports merchandise from a warehouse in Mississauga. Police say the investigation resulted in the largest known seizure of counterfeit soccer jerseys in Canadian history.
According to the Toronto Police Service, the investigation began in May 2026 after the FIFA Planning Team Investigative Unit received a complaint from Lipkus Law LLP, a law firm specializing in brand protection investigations and a member of the Canadian Anti Counterfeiting Network.
Police allege that a Mississauga warehouse contained a large quantity of fraudulent sports merchandise, including jerseys, hats, flags and other products. Investigators also allege that the accused were distributing the merchandise to retail stores as part of a commercial operation.
After confirming the complaint was credible, Toronto Police obtained four Criminal Code search warrants for the warehouse, a vehicle and trailers located at the site. Officers executed the warrants on Tuesday, May 26, with support from the Public Safety Response Team and brand protection experts from Lipkus Law LLP.
Police say officers seized more than 16,000 allegedly fraudulent jerseys and flags purporting to represent major brands and organizations, including FIFA, Nike, Adidas and Puma. Investigators also recovered two counterfeit FIFA World Cup trophies. The seized merchandise has an estimated street value of $3,564,000.
Deputy Chief Rob Johnson praised the Toronto Police FIFA Planning Team Investigative Unit and the Public Safety Response Team for their response and collaboration with external partners. He said the alleged operation was designed to exploit sports fans and take advantage of the growing excitement surrounding soccer.
Ramy Jaber, 41, of Milton, and Walid Sarhan, 62, of Mississauga, have both been arrested. According to police, they face charges including fraud over $5,000, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, passing off wares or services with intent to deceive or defraud, and selling or distributing goods on a commercial scale under the Trademarks Act.
The allegations have not been proven in court. Both accused are scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice at 10 Armoury Street in Toronto on Monday, August 17, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Toronto Police are reminding consumers to purchase sports merchandise only from trusted and authorized retailers. Shoppers are advised to verify sellers online, check for official tags and packaging, and remain cautious when products are offered at prices that appear unusually low.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact Toronto Police at 416 808 2222. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 416 222 TIPS or through the Crime Stoppers website.
