UK Police Seize £18m in Counterfeit Football Kits During World Cup Over Fire Safety Fears
UK police seized counterfeit football shirts worth over £18 million during the World Cup as part of Operation Bloxwich, recovering more than 220,000 pieces of fake merchandise. The Fire Service warned that these unregulated shirts are highly flammable and contain harmful dyes, posing serious risks especially to children. Tests showed fake kits melted instantly when exposed to flame, while genuine shirts were far more resistant. Authorities highlighted that counterfeit goods are produced by criminal networks in appalling conditions and that buyers unknowingly fund organized crime. The low price of fakes (as little as £12) compared to official shirts (starting at £85) drives demand, but officials stressed the safety and ethical dangers outweigh any savings.
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