Undercover agents cracking down on fake Super Bowl gear

ATLANTA — Only Channel 2 Action News was there as undercover agents cracked down on counterfeit Super Bowl merchandise.

Federal agents told Channel 2 investigative reporter Aaron Diamant the raid should send a strong message to criminals looking to cash in.

“It’s Super Bowl week, and while it’s a major event for fans, it’s also a major event for criminals,” said Bryan Cox, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland. “There’s a lot of money coming into town, and criminal networks want some of that money.”

SUPER BOWL LIII CONTENT:

Patriots send-off rally brought 35K fans and a Brady mic-drop
Edelman helps inspire 8-year-old boy battling rare brain disorder
Atlanta prepares for rare winter storm ahead of Super Bowl LIII

Within seconds, agents found what they were looking for inside a College Park discount mall.

Merchandise was being sold that was not officially licensed.

You can tell if the gear is authentic by the stitching, holograms and other markings. It's also no secret that legitimate NFL merchandise is expensive.

While shopkeepers scattered, Diamant watched as agents pulled suspected fake gear off the walls and cut-rate hats and jerseys.

As an expert from the NFL confirmed the counterfeits, the cops cataloged the haul.

“Criminal organizations are looking to fund themselves. Counterfeiting is just one pathway that they use to fund that criminal organization," Cox said. “So, when you funnel the profits up, they’re going to criminal groups who can use this for a variety of other crimes -- drugs, guns, violence. You name it.”

Agents told Diamant the raid wasn't a one-off. They said they'll be working with state and local partners all week with a clear message: They're out looking for fakes, and if they find them, they're going to take them.

Cox Media Group