Feds seize counterfeit sports merchandise in Chicago. Photo: ICE
CHICAGO–U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) seized $181,215 worth of counterfeit National Hockey League (NHL) gear and other merchandise in Chicago and Tampa surrounding the 2015 Stanley Cup Final and during Thursday’s Chicago Blackhawks victory celebration.
The enforcement initiative, dubbed Operation Team Player, resulted in the seizure of 4,376 items, including fake jerseys, hats, t-shirts, jackets and other souvenirs. The $181,215 value is based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of the counterfeit NHL merchandise.
These seizures were part of a crackdown on intellectual property rights (IPR) violators leading up to and during the 2015 Stanley Cup Final, as well as during the Blackhawks victory parade and celebration Thursday. Operation Team Player is an effort by the HSI-led IPR Center that targets counterfeit sports merchandise from all major U.S. sports leagues.
Large sporting events such as the Stanley Cup Final are prime targets for counterfeiters, many of whom travel the country with the sole intention of scamming innocent sports fans. According to the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition, businesses worldwide lose an estimated $600 to 700 billion annually due to counterfeiting.
“The NHL very much appreciates the efforts of HSI and local law enforcement to protect hockey fans from being victimized by counterfeiters and to ensure that legitimate businesses playing by the rules will not be harmed by these illicit activities,” said Tom Prochnow, group vice president, legal and business affairs for the NHL.
