HONG KONG (AP) — Just hours before the World Cup was set to kick off, Hong Kong authorities announced the seizure of 230,000 counterfeit items worth an estimated $20 million, including jerseys tied to the highly anticipated soccer tournament.The seizure included about 30,000 jerseys, some so finely made that they’re hard to distinguish from authentic team shirts for ordinary consumers, Wayne Chung, senior inspector at Hong Kong ’s customs department, said Thursday. Most were copies of authentic player jerseys that are generally more expensive than fan-edition versions because they’re better designed and made of higher-quality materials, he said. All were destined for overseas markets, with nearly 80% set to be shipped to the Americas, where the World Cup is being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.Mexico is playing in the tournament opener against South Africa on Thursday.
Other fake goodsFootwear, watches, speakers and handbags were also seized in the operation, part of which took place at logistics centers from late May to early June. Goods modeled on Louis Vuitton’s handbags and Rolex watches were showcased at a news conference Thursday. Chung said he believed the fakes were possibly meant to serve tourist demand elsewhere. Authorities were still investigating the origins of the goods.
