Hong Kong Customs officials have arrested six individuals following a large-scale operation targeting counterfeit football merchandise. The operation, dubbed “Clean Sheet,” recovered approximately 230,000 fake items, including remarkably realistic player jerseys, with an estimated value of HK$156 million (roughly US$20 million). The seizures occurred between May 26th and Wednesday, just prior to the anticipated increase in demand related to the FIFA World Cup 2026. Authorities described the counterfeit goods as “highly authentic-looking,” indicating a sophisticated operation. The arrests and seizures aim to protect consumers and intellectual property rights ahead of the major sporting event. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the counterfeiting network and its distribution channels. This represents a significant effort to curb the illegal trade of fake sporting goods in the region.