Feds seize nearly $5M in phony Super Bowl swag

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Super Bowl merchandise is everywhere for sale around Indianapolis, but there are counterfeiters out there. Katie Rogers from Greenwood, checks out the shirts at Lids inside the Huddle, part of Circle Center Mall. Federal officials on Thursday seized nearly $5 million worth of counterfeit merchandise in a nationwide sweep. Photo by Tim Bath

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February 2, 2012

NEWS AND TRIBUNE newsroom@newsandtribune.com The News and Tribune Thu Feb 02, 2012, 11:12 PM EST

INDIANAPOLIS — Federal officials say authorities have seized nearly $5 million worth of phony Super Bowl sportswear and merchandise in a nationwide sweep.

Officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the results of the four-month investigation Thursday in Indianapolis.

Agents targeted stores, flea markets and street vendors that allegedly sold counterfeit game-related sportswear. Fake jerseys, ball caps, T-shirts, jackets and other souvenirs were among the 42,000 items confiscated in Operation Fake Sweep.

Authorities put the total take at more than $4.8 million, up from $3.7 million last year.

The government is also seizing more than 300 websites alleged to have illegally streamed live sporting telecasts over the Internet or sold counterfeit sports merchandise. Also seized were counterfeit Major League Baseball, NBA and NHL items worth about $1.6 million.

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