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Police Seize More Than a Ton of Counterfeit Soccer Jerseys

The products featured logos of various national and international clubs and were sold to consumers and retailers in the Federal District

The Civil Police (PCDF)’s Division for the Suppression of Crimes Against Intangible Property (DRCPIM/CORF), in partnership with Procon-DF, seized more than one metric ton of counterfeit shirts. The products bore the logos and symbols of national and international sports organizations and were supplied to both end consumers and retailers in the Federal District and surrounding municipalities.

Divided into four phases, Operation Torcida Segura focused its searches on stores located in the administrative regions of Riacho Fundo, Planaltina, and Ceilândia. In addition to the massive quantity of clothing seized, the operation resulted in the arrest of three suspects caught in the act, the execution of two search and seizure warrants, and the execution of a preventive arrest warrant.

With the 2026 Men’s World Cup approaching and preparations underway for the 2027 Women’s World Cup—which Brazil will host, with Brasília as one of the host cities—the market for soccer jerseys is experiencing a period of high demand, which tends to fuel illegal trade.

According to authorities, those involved will face charges for crimes against the intellectual property of sports organizations (as provided for in the General Sports Law, with penalties ranging from 2 to 4 years of imprisonment and a fine), in addition to the crime of commercial fraud, as defined in Article 175 of the Penal Code.