Just in time with the NBA finals, currently contested between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced a big sting in counterfeit merchandise and goods worth over tens of thousands of dollars.

Fake NBA Goods Help Organized Crime

ICE's Homeland Security Investigations unit revealed more than $28,000 worth of fake NBA-branded good and merchandise were seized during a month-long investigation, although the aforementioned estimate is based on the items' suggested retail price if it were real. The items ranged from shirts, hats, decals and team flags.

"Counterfeiters may seem harmless on the surface, but they are often feeding cash into an elaborate system of organized crime that includes illegal narcotics operations, human trafficking, and even terrorism," said David Prince, assistance special agent in charge of HSI San Francisco, in a statement.

According to ICE, the costs of the goods seized is lower than last year, which hit $375,000. ICE credited the decreased amount to the "heavy presence" of HSI special agents and "word of mouth among counterfeit hawkers."

Events such as the NBA finals and the NFL's Super Bowl are popular occasions for counterfeiters to target sports fans.

Road to Game 4

In a best of four series, Warriors currently have a 2-1 advantage over the Warriors. While the Warriors won the first two games, the Cavs made comeback on Wednesday night with a 120-90 victory. The next game in the series takes place Friday, June 10, from Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena.

__

For the latest updates, follow Latin Post's Michael Oleaga on Twitter: @EditorMikeO or contact via email: m.oleaga@latinpost.com.

Related