SI Vault April 17, 2000 Thin Gray LineArmy's losing the battle
to stay competitive Decrease font Decrease font Enlarge font
Enlarge font April 17, 2000   View CoverRead All Articles 1 2 3
The FBI estimates that forged-autograph memorabilia accounts for
at least half and possibly as much as 90% of the $1 billion
sports collectibles industry. The Bureau's San Diego field
office was set to announce this week the results of an
undercover sting targeting fake-autograph dealers. The feds set
up a front called the Nihon Trading Company in Oceanside,
Calif., and although it was no more authentic than the Mother
Teresa-autographed baseball the operation uncovered, it fooled
members of a nationwide ring whose allegedly incriminating
statements now fill more than 1,000 FBI audio tapes. According
to the FBI, one dealer discussed selling memorabilia "just
signed" by the late Wilt Chamberlain.  Last October the feds
obtained some 60 search warrants in five states and used them to
seize enough signed balls, photos and othe