The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) has seized 10,500 counterfeit football jerseys worth an estimated RM375,000 during a raid on a metal workshop in Kuala Lumpur.
The operation, carried out at around 3pm on Friday, uncovered a hidden storage facility that had been converted into a distribution centre for fake football jerseys. Authorities believe the premises, rented for about RM2,000 a month, was deliberately used to disguise the illegal operation from enforcement agencies.
KPDN Kuala Lumpur director Sabri Seman said the raid followed a week-long intelligence operation conducted in collaboration with representatives of the affected trademark owners.
According to preliminary investigations, the premises functioned as a warehouse, livestream sales centre and packaging hub, where counterfeit jerseys were prepared before being shipped directly to customers who placed orders online.
Sabri said investigators believe the syndicate imported the jerseys from China at a cost of around RM6 each before selling them through online platforms to consumers and small retailers for between RM30 and RM50 per jersey.
Three local workers in their 30s were detained during the operation to assist with investigations, while enforcement officers are continuing efforts to identify the actual owner of the premises and the mastermind behind the illegal business.
Sabri said enforcement activities have been intensified following a surge in demand for football jerseys during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, with counterfeit merchandise becoming increasingly common.
He stressed that KPDN takes trademark infringement seriously and that enforcement operations will continue beyond major sporting events. According to him, the sale of counterfeit goods not only violates intellectual property rights but also misleads consumers and negatively impacts the country’s economy.
The case is being investigated under the Trademarks Act 2019, while all seized jerseys have been sent to a secure storage facility for official verification by the trademark owners before further legal action is taken.
