Police seize 500 'dangerous' fake car airbags and £140,000 in raids

Three men have been arrested after dogs sniffed out tens of thousands of pounds wrapped in nappies and 500 'dangerous' fake car airbags were found in a London police raid.

City of London Police searched two properties and a garage in Leyton and Ilford, east London, following a referral from Homeland Security Investigations.

Three men, aged 34, 36 and 51, were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation, conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to distribute counterfeit goods.

The men have since been released under investigation. 

Officers from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) suspect that the airbags were imported into the UK from China and sold abroad.

Dogs found £110,000 wrapped in nappies and hidden inside a wall cavity at one of the residential properties. 

Another £30,000 was found hidden in wardrobes at the same property.

A written price list found at the garage suggests that the fake airbags were sold for as little as £25, police said.

Pictures from the operation, which took place in the early hours of last Thursday, 19th September show many of the items bearing the logos of recognised car manufacturers.

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Warbey, of City of London Police, said: 'Counterfeit airbags pose a serious threat to customers who purchase them and have them installed in their vehicles.

'These airbags aren't manufactured to industry standards, so there's a real possibility that they won't inflate during a road traffic collision, or will deploy in error.

'Counterfeiting a device designed to save lives demonstrates the lengths that criminals will go to make money and their disregard for the safety of the people who will end up using these products.

'The fake airbags we seized today are sold at prices far below the cost of quality, genuine equipment.

'We know that the offer of a good deal can be enticing, but it's always important to buy vehicle parts from a reputable seller.

'This operation sends a clear message that we will work across borders to disrupt illegal activity and hold those involved to account for their actions.'

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Cardell T. Morant, special agent in charge of US Homeland Security Investigations Charlotte that covers North and South Carolina, added: 'Airbags are critical life-saving devices that are designed and produced to protect motorists.

'Counterfeit airbags pose a serious threat to the safety of consumers in both the US and the UK.

'HSI actively collaborates with foreign law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations that seek to exploit global commerce and threaten legitimate supply chains.

'We work closely with the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center and automakers to identify counterfeit products and hold those trafficking in such goods accountable.'

Police say anyone who has inadvertently bought a counterfeit airbag should report the matter to Action Fraud, the national fraud and cyber crime reporting service, via their website or on 0300 123 2040. 

They can also contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).

Information around the sale and supply of counterfeit vehicle parts can be reported to Crimestoppers or on 0800 555 111.