Surrey Police have seized $6.5 million worth of counterfeit goods following a year-long investigation dubbed Project Prada, which uncovered a large-scale operation selling fake luxury items and sports jerseys on Facebook Marketplace.
Investigation Details
In June 2025, the Canadian Anti-Counterfeiting Network alerted Surrey Police to possible counterfeit goods being sold in Surrey. The goods, including sports jerseys and high-end brands, were allegedly advertised on Facebook Marketplace, according to Staff Sgt. Lindsey Houghton.
Over the next year, investigators monitored sales and identified a person of interest connected to a Surrey home where the sales originated. On June 17, 2026, a search warrant was executed at the home, resulting in the arrest of one man and the discovery of a massive stash of counterfeit goods.
Seized Items
The seizure included more than 500 Adidas jerseys with soccer, NBA, and NHL player names; nearly 2,000 Nike jerseys with soccer, NFL, NBA, and MLB player names; 131 CCM NHL jerseys; and almost 400 Mitchell & Ness jerseys and caps. High-end counterfeit items included 28 pieces of Hermes jewelry and footwear, 203 pieces of Louis Vuitton clothing and handbags, 673 pieces of Gucci bags and footwear, 340 pieces of Christian Dior items, 117 pieces of Burberry clothing, 120 pieces of Bathing Ape clothing, 19 Rolex watches, and 85 Cartier watches, sunglasses, and jewelry.
Public Warning
Houghton warned the public: “A person’s best course of action, in the first instance, is ‘if it’s too good to be true, then it probably is’ … and don’t purchase it.” He emphasized that purchasing counterfeit goods funds criminal activity and may support organized crime. Houghton advised reporting suspicious items to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, police, or Crime Stoppers.
“There is always risk in purchasing goods like this,” he noted. “You are likely offered no protections from your bank, credit card, there are no warranties, and you may have the items seized by authorities.”
Legal Proceedings
Police did not disclose payment methods or whether undercover purchases were made. The arrested individual was released pending charge approval, with potential charges including fraud over $5,000 and passing of wares. The suspect’s name cannot be released until charges are approved by Crown counsel.
Police recommend online buyers and sellers follow safety best practices, such as verifying identities and meeting in public places, including designated exchange spots at local police stations.
