Unless there's another very recent incident of that, the recalls you're referring to involved USMC IBA packages (carriers with soft armor) being stolen from quartermaster stores and sold on eBay.

Note that there are legit items being surplused and sold, so just because you see one for sale doesn't automatically mean it's stolen (you can usually tell by the dates: the soft armor is considered to have a 5 year lifespan).

As mentioned above, there's also an export restriction on armor products. In the case of the IBA it's actually supposed to be restricted to mil/LE sales and cannot be exported outside CONUS without proper licensing. Not sure if "expired" armor is also restricted for export or not.

Also note that the export restriction is supposed to be on the armor components (soft and hard) themselves, although some shops have taken the restriction to apply to the entire armor package. Normally the carrier itself (without armor) shouldn't be restricted. Shops like Diamonback and Optactical get it right, others (specially on eBay) do not. I purchased a replacement IBA cover (no armor) from SDS, it exported/imported just fine.

This is not armor, it's simply a black vest with pouches! It's cloth, no plates in it of ANY kind! Unless I'm wrong and that's considered armor anyway? My only concern was the SWAT patches on it. The SWAT patches are real. But heck, if it's going to be this much trouble, maybe I shouldn't buy it =S

There's nothing illegal about SWAT patches, specially from another country.

Even if someone actually was NYPD or LAPD, they're out of their jurisdiction in Canada so the patch is meaningless.

Thank you