These nationwide and global anti-piracy seizures are just a small sampling of the worldwide efforts by local, state, and federal law enforcement, often collaborating in anti-piracy investigations. While many of these seizures in the past have focused on physical stockpiles of counterfeited CD and DVD recordings, illegal streaming and file-sharing technology have radically transformed how law enforcement battles what are now digital piracy concerns. Meanwhile, counterfeit merchandising has exploded in recent years, which has led to stepped-up efforts by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other federal agencies to stop illegal products from coming into the U.S. from other countries. Local law enforcement also gets involved in cases where illegal products—some of them a threat to public health—are being imported and sold within the U.S.
Today, federal and state anti-piracy efforts tackle digital piracy and the production, transfer, and sale of all kinds of counterfeit merchandise, from watches, sneakers, and handbags to counterfeit medicines and vaccines, industrial equipment, and beauty products.
2026: January – March
2025: January – March | April – June | July – September | October – December
2024: January – March | April – June | July – September | October – December
2023: January – March | April – June | July – September | October – December
2022: January – March | April – June | July – September | October – December
Anti-Piracy Seizure Information: January-March 2026
California | Massachusetts | Utah | Washington | Worldwide: China | Korea | Philippines | United Kingdom
California
January 29, 2026 – A 59-year-old California man received 37 months in prison for fabricating fake jewelry attributed to the celebrated Hopi artist Charles Loloma. Between 2008 and 2015, he created counterfeit pieces in his residence and marketed them as genuine Loloma works through eBay and private transactions. The man defrauded more than 10 collectors of approximately $500,000. After initially pleading guilty in 2021, he withdrew his plea and attempted delaying tactics, including faking cognitive impairment. A federal jury ultimately convicted him on wire fraud, mail fraud, and Indian Arts and Crafts Act violations. He must also pay $134,443.60 in restitution.
U.S. Department of Justice – January 29, 2026
February 6, 2026 – Federal authorities confiscated over 276,000 counterfeit sports items valued at $33.4 million ahead of Super Bowl LX through Operation Team Player. The initiative was led by the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center, in partnership with major sports leagues. This group combats criminal networks that exploit online platforms to sell counterfeit merchandise. Officials warn that these purchases endanger consumers’ financial data and personal information and harm legitimate businesses and American employment. The crackdown represents a slight decrease from last year’s $39.5 million seizure. Investigators emphasize that counterfeit sales have surged as criminals increasingly use fraudulent websites and social media rather than traditional stadium vendors.
ON3 – Grant Grubbs – February 6, 2026
Massachusetts
February 9, 2026 – Lawrence, Massachusetts, police discovered nearly half a million dollars in fake designer merchandise at a local flea market. This counterfeit product bust followed an extended investigation. Authorities confiscated goods fraudulently branded as Nike, Adidas, and UGG, with a total legitimate retail value of approximately $457,910. The seizure included 1,807 Nike items, 821 Adidas products, and 176 UGG pieces from a vendor operating at 85 Manchester Street. Three individuals face criminal charges for trademark violations and property crimes. Following legal proceedings, all confiscated counterfeit items were incinerated in accordance with proper disposal protocols.
Boston 25 News – Maria Papadopoulos – February 9, 2026
Utah
January 27, 2026 – A Utah woman faces 24 felony charges for allegedly manufacturing and distributing counterfeit Pokémon cards to unsuspecting collectors. The 29-year-old Utah resident defrauded victims of thousands of dollars through deceptive sales. This sale of counterfeit collectors’ cards included a $4,500 transaction involving ten fake cards and a separate $1,500 sale. Authorities executing a search warrant discovered extensive counterfeiting equipment—printers, laminators, cameras, and heat presses—along with counterfeit cards throughout her residence. The haul included a replica of an exceedingly rare card potentially valued at over $1 million. She’s charged with theft by deception, forgery, communications fraud, and possession offenses related to forged materials.
KSL.com – Pat Reavy – January 27, 2026
Washington
January 29, 2026 – A Washington state man was convicted of orchestrating a multimillion-dollar counterfeit trading card operation. With an accomplice, the man orchestrated a scheme from 2022 to 2024, selling fraudulent Pokémon and sports cards. Focusing especially on Michael Jordan rookies, the counterfeit cards bore fabricated Professional Sports Authenticator grades. The man manipulated authentic labels by removing legitimate ratings and printing false high grades. Sometimes, he sold worthless cards for hundreds of thousands of dollars. When confronted by deceived buyers, he would refund the purchase price, retrieve the cards, and resell them to new victims. The pair defrauded collectors of over $2 million. Both face potential 20-year sentences per count.
USA Today – Natalie Neysa Alund – January 29, 2026
China
January 22, 2026 – Chinese authorities confiscated more than 105,000 counterfeit golf items during recent operations in Huizhou City, detaining eight suspects. The raids uncovered manufacturing facilities, assembly locations, and fake components bearing trademarks of major brands represented by the US Golf Manufacturers Anti-Counterfeiting Working Group. The coalition comprises industry leaders like Callaway-Odyssey, Titleist, PING, TaylorMade, and others. Established in 2004, they’ve removed over three million fraudulent products from circulation. In 300-plus raids worldwide, the organization has prosecuted more than 200 counterfeiters and shut down thousands of illegitimate websites. The group prioritizes consumer education about equipment safety risks.
Bunkered – Michael McEwan – January 22, 2026
Korea
January 27, 2026 – South Korean customs dismantled a counterfeit luxury goods operation that generated 16.5 billion won ($12M+ USD) through online sales. The ring, led by a man in his 40s, smuggled approximately 77,000 fake designer bags, apparel, and footwear from China. The operation ran between April 2022 and February 2025. The smuggled goods included items valued at 120 billion won ($83M USD). Authorities confiscated 5,000 items and seized 8 billion won in assets, including real estate and vehicles. Customs officials also made history by capturing a hardware wallet containing 500 million won in cryptocurrency. The group operated through sophisticated distribution networks with specialized teams handling procurement and logistics.
MSN (The Chosunilbo) – Lee Hyun-jun – January 27, 2026
Philippines
January 18, 2026 – Philippine authorities confiscated approximately 202 million pesos (US $3.4 million) in counterfeit footwear and manufacturing equipment. The seizure occurred during weekend raids across Bulacan and Pampanga provinces. The Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested seven foreign nationals. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group conducted operations based on consumer complaints about defective online purchases and civilian informant tips. Officials seized more than 1,100 boxes of counterfeit shoes, production machinery, including injectors and molding equipment, and counterfeit Crocs. PNP leadership emphasized consumer awareness, urging shoppers to verify product authenticity, particularly online. The PNP pledged to aggressively dismantle counterfeit supply networks to protect legitimate commerce and public safety. Multiple Chinese nationals were detained.
Manila Bulletin – Aaron Recuenco – January 19, 2026
United Kingdom
January 1, 2026 – In a pre-Christmas operation, local authorities seized over 400 counterfeit toys. These phony goods, including counterfeit Labubu and KPop Demon Hunter dolls, were found in Coulby Newham and the town center. In addition to being illegal, Trading Standards officers deemed the toys potentially dangerous. Due to the popularity of these dolls, many counterfeit versions have been appearing. The Intellectual Property Office reports that 259.000 fake dolls, worth around £3.5m (US $4.7m), were seized at the UK border in 2025. Labubu dolls comprised 90% of these. Counterfeit toys don’t comply with consumer protection laws, including safety regulations.
BBC – Naj Modak – January 1, 2026
January 4, 2026 – West Yorkshire police confiscated over 60,000 counterfeit cigarettes along with prohibited vaping devices during November raids across seven Dewsbury establishments. The coordinated operation involved 30 personnel from multiple agencies and detection dogs to uncover concealed merchandise valued at £84,000 (US $114,000). Authorities emphasized that these illegal goods finance organized crime while endangering public health through toxic, untested ingredients. Officials also highlighted environmental concerns. Disposable vapes contribute significantly to electronic waste through non-recyclable lithium batteries and plastics that contaminate ecosystems.