The Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (“PIPCU”) based at City of London Police has led an investigation into the distribution of dangerous counterfeit airbags, which has resulted in the arrest of three people. The suspects were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation, conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to distribute counterfeit goods.
The investigation started after a referral from Homeland Security and suspicion that the airbags were imported to the UK from China, and being sold abroad. Officers carried out search warrants at two residential addresses in east London, and a third at a garage in the same area. They found 500 counterfeit airbags with an estimated total of £140,000 cash also seized, with police dogs finding £110,000 wrapped in nappies and hidden inside the walls at one of the residential properties and the remaining £30,000 in the wardrobes in the same property.
There is now major concern for anyone who has purchased a counterfeit airbag or vehicle part, as the fake goods could put motorists at risk of serious injury. The fake airbags are not manufactured to industry standards and are likely to not inflate or cause delay during a road traffic collision, therefore falling short of the safety requirements. The PIPCU are now urging anyone who may have bought one to get their vehicle checked by their nearest authorised car dealer to ensure the vehicle is safe to drive. The police stress the importance that although the fake airbags are cheaper than the cost of genuine equipment, there is no price on safety.
It is to be seen what further developments will occur.
If you have any questions on the above, feel free to contact a member of the team at 0191 281 4000 or alternatively at legal@mcdanielslaw.com.
