HSI addresses Super Bowl safety initiatives

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officials said the agency would be collaborating with federal, state, and local law enforcement to provide public safety efforts for Super Bowl LV in Tampa, Florida.

“I am proud of the efforts of HSI Tampa, the National Intellectual Property Rights Center, and our public and private sector partners, who are working hard to make sure this is a safe event for everyone, despite the global pandemic,” HSI Acting Executive Associate Director Patrick J. Lechleitner said. “Large-scale events like the Super Bowl provide opportunities for transnational criminal organizations to commit and profit from illicit activity. As in years past, effective teamwork will be the key to success on and off the field.”

Lechleitner said for HSI, the size and scope of the task would be met with personnel prepared to execute the agency’s game plan and safeguard the city from national security and public safety threats during the game.

The effort will involve mitigating threats posed by criminal organizations seeking to exploit and profit from criminal activity by identifying and seizing counterfeit goods and enhanced efforts to combat human trafficking.

Via Operation Team Player, HSI and its partners will address the illegal importation of counterfeit sports apparel and merchandise. Throughout the year, warehouses, stores, flea markets, online marketplaces, and street vendors selling counterfeit and game-related sportswear and tickets are identified throughout the country.