Toronto Police just pulled three and a half million dollars worth of counterfeit jerseys out of a west-end warehouse, and the story of how it happened says more about who runs this city right now than the bust itself.

 

It was not a tip from a concerned citizen. A lawyer retained by a legitimate sports apparel manufacturer tracked the knockoffs, confirmed they were counterfeit, and handed it to police. Mark Mendelson says this is organized crime operating in plain sight — on Instagram, on TikTok, in parking lot tents across the GTA — because the demand is real and the math works. Three hundred dollars for a licensed jersey versus a hundred for one that might not survive the washing machine. With FIFA World Cup in Toronto, the timing of the enforcement is not a coincidence.

 

The question Mendelson raises is the one nobody in the press conference answered: where is this enforcement the other three hundred and sixty-four days of the year?

 

Topics: counterfeit jerseys Toronto, FIFA World Cup counterfeit bust, organized crime GTA, fake sports jerseys Canada, Toronto police seizure 2025

 

GUEST: Mark Mendelson | @markmendelson


Originally aired on 2026-06-01

Toronto Police just pulled three and a half million dollars worth of counterfeit jerseys out of a west-end warehouse, and the story of how it happened says more about who runs this city right now than the bust itself.
&nbsp;
It was not a tip from a concerned citizen. A lawyer retained by a legitimate sports apparel manufacturer tracked the knockoffs, confirmed they were counterfeit, and handed it to police. Mark Mendelson says this is organized crime operating in plain sight &mdash; on Instagram, on TikTok, in parking lot tents across the GTA &mdash; because the demand is real and the math works. Three hundred dollars for a licensed jersey versus a hundred for one that might not survive the washing machine. With FIFA World Cup in Toronto, the timing of the enforcement is not a coincidence.
&nbsp;
The question Mendelson raises is the one nobody in the press conference answered: where is this enforcement the other three hundred and sixty-four days of the year?
&nbsp;
Topics: counterfeit jerseys Toronto, FIFA World Cup counterfeit bust, organized crime GTA, fake sports jerseys Canada, Toronto police seizure 2025
&nbsp;
GUEST: Mark Mendelson | @markmendelson
 Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-06-01

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.