LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A big part of security measures for Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas will be cracking down on counterfeit goods and merchandise.
Counterfeit merchandise, a concern for both authenticity and its links to human trafficking, was addressed by Cheryl Davies, Customs and Border Patrol Field Coordinator for the Super Bowl. She warned, "A lot of, I think the public doesn't realize when they are purchasing counterfeit material, or counterfeit goods, that there could be a human trafficking component attached to it, there could be a force labor component attached to it."
That's according to the Department of Homeland Security, which is expected to display some examples of the fakes and dupes agents are looking for on Monday afternoon.
The Department of Homeland Security provided guidance on identifying genuine NFL-licensed merchandise, stating, "One thing to look out for is the threading on the jersey...and the tag. If it is an NFL licensed jersey, there will be a hologram symbol to show it's the real thing."
That event, previewing security operations for Las Vegas' first-ever Super Bowl, was held at 2 p.m.
Davies highlighted the collaborative efforts, stating, "From protecting Allegiant Stadium, to intercepting counterfeit NFL merchandise, to combating human trafficking, we are, in fact, a team of teams."
As with all NFL championship games in recent memory, the DHS has designated Super Bowl LVIII as a Type 1 security event. These designations, ranging from 1-5, are determined for certain high-profile events in the U.S., with Type 1 being the highest security rating.
Regarding the protection of Allegiant Stadium, Davies explained, "CBP is deploying Black Hawk and A Star helicopters to protect Allegiant Stadium airspace and the spectators attending the event."
Up to this point, national security officials say there have been no specific or credible threats related to the Big Game.
A confidential threat assessment document obtained by ABC outlined the criminal concerns law enforcement expect to face during Super Bowl week, including:
- ATM skimming
- Identity theft
- Credit card theft
- Property theft
- Public intoxication
- Illegal drug sales
- Prostitution
- Selling counterfeit goods (tickets, clothing, bags, other Super Bowl-related merchandise).
The report also detailed concerns about heightened tensions and violence between outlaw motorcycle gangs throughout Nevada, possible lone offender attacks, cybersecurity, vehicles possibly driving into pedestrians, and human trafficking.
