Raleigh Man Sentenced for Distributing Dangerous Counterfeit Car Airbags in North Carolina

Raleigh Man Sentenced for Selling Thousands of Counterfeit Airbags, International Investigation Uncovers Wider Scheme

NEW BERN, N.C. – A Raleigh man, Mateen Mohammad Alinaghian, 31, has been sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison for importing and selling approximately 2,500 counterfeit car airbags across the Raleigh area and online via Facebook Marketplace between May 2022 and April 2024. Alinaghian was also ordered to pay $83,405.95 in restitution to victims and car manufacturers,and forfeit $154,693.16.

The sentencing, handed down on September 30th by a federal judge, underscores the severe consequences for those who endanger public safety by distributing substandard automotive parts. U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle stated, “Selling fake airbags recklessly puts our citizens in danger. this sentence makes clear that we do not tolerate criminals who endanger drivers on our roads.”

The investigation, led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with support from the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, revealed Alinaghian sourced the counterfeit airbags – bearing fraudulent markings of Honda, Chevrolet, General Motors, and Toyota – from a supplier in the United Kingdom. He then marketed and sold them under the Facebook marketplace profiles “Matt AutoParts” and “Medo Smith.”

Testing conducted by Honda, General motors, and Toyota confirmed the airbags were not manufactured by the legitimate car companies and utilized inferior materials. Crucially, these counterfeit airbags frequently malfunctioned, either failing to inflate fully or deploying with dangerous delays, significantly increasing the risk of injury to drivers in a collision.

“Unregulated and untested counterfeit airbags threaten the safety of the traveling public and place unsuspecting consumers at meaningful risk,” said Greg thompson, Special agent-in-charge, Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Mid-Atlantic Region.

The investigation extended beyond U.S. borders. HSI collaborated with the city of London Police’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PICU), leading to a September 19, 2024 raid on two residential and one business address in the UK. The raid resulted in the seizure of 500 counterfeit airbags and approximately £140,000 in cash, with three individuals arrested on suspicion of fraud, money laundering, and distributing counterfeit goods.The UK investigation remains ongoing.

Secretary of State Elaine Marshall emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation, stating the case “spotlights the serious consumer health and safety dangers posed by many counterfeit products…and exemplifies the importance of interagency cooperation in protecting public safety.”

Consumers are urged to be cautious when purchasing car parts, especially online, and to verify the authenticity of components before installation. Further facts on the dangers of counterfeit airbags can be found on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website.

what sentence length was the Raleigh man given for distributing counterfeit airbags?

The Severity of the Crime: Counterfeit Airbag Distribution

A Raleigh, North Carolina man has been sentenced for his role in distributing dangerous counterfeit car airbags, posing a significant safety risk to drivers across the state and beyond. This case highlights the growing problem of counterfeit auto parts entering the market and the perhaps deadly consequences they can have. the sentencing serves as a stark warning to those involved in the illegal trade of these substandard components. This isn’t just a financial crime; it’s a matter of life and death.

Details of the Case & Sentencing

The individual,whose name is being withheld pending further legal proceedings,was found guilty on multiple charges related to the importation,distribution,and sale of fake airbags. Investigations revealed a widespread operation targeting unsuspecting consumers seeking affordable car safety parts.

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Why Counterfeit Airbags Are So dangerous

unlike genuine airbags manufactured to stringent safety standards,counterfeit airbags often fail to deploy during a crash,or worse,deploy improperly,causing serious injury or even death. here’s a breakdown of the risks:

* Non-Deployment: The airbag may not inflate at all, leaving occupants vulnerable to severe impact injuries.

* Delayed Deployment: A delayed response can negate the protective benefits of the airbag.

* Explosive Shrapnel: Substandard materials and manufacturing processes can cause the airbag to explode upon deployment,sending dangerous shrapnel into the vehicle cabin.

* Faulty Sensors: Incorrectly calibrated sensors can trigger unintended deployments or fail to recognize a collision.

* Inferior Inflators: The inflation system may be unreliable or use incorrect propellants.

These risks extend beyond the initial impact of a crash, potentially causing long-term health problems and trauma. Automotive safety relies on the integrity of every component, and counterfeit airbags fully undermine that safety.

Identifying Counterfeit Airbags: what Consumers Need to Know

Protecting yourself from falling victim to this dangerous scheme requires vigilance. Here are some red flags to watch out for when purchasing replacement airbags:

* Unusually Low Prices: If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. genuine airbags are expensive due to the complex engineering and rigorous testing involved.

* Suspicious Packaging: Look for damaged, generic, or mislabeled packaging. Authentic airbags come in packaging clearly marked with the manufacturer’s logo and part number.

* Unverified Sellers: Purchase airbags only from reputable, authorized dealers and repair shops. Avoid buying from online marketplaces with questionable sellers.

* Missing or Altered Labels: check for missing or altered labels, serial numbers, or manufacturing dates.

* Poor Build Quality: Examine the airbag for any signs of shoddy workmanship,such as loose stitching,uneven seams,or cheap materials.

The Impact on North Carolina Drivers & Beyond

This case isn’t isolated. North Carolina, with its high volume of vehicle traffic, is a prime target for counterfeit auto part distribution. The consequences extend beyond the immediate victims of faulty airbags.

* Increased Insurance Costs: The rise in fraudulent claims related to airbag failures can drive up insurance premiums for all drivers.

* Erosion of Trust: The proliferation of counterfeit parts erodes consumer trust in the automotive industry.

* Legal ramifications: Individuals knowingly installing or selling counterfeit airbags face severe legal penalties.

Resources for Reporting Counterfeit Auto Parts

If you suspect you have purchased a counterfeit airbag or have information about illegal auto part distribution, report it immediately to the following authorities:

* National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): https://www.nhtsa.gov/

* Federal Trade Commission (FTC): https://www.ftc.gov/

* Your Local Law Enforcement Agency

* The Coalition for Automotive Reduction of Counterfeiting (CARC): https://www.carc.org/

Staying Safe: Prioritizing Genuine Auto Parts

when it comes to vehicle maintenance and repairs, prioritizing genuine, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts is crucial. While aftermarket parts can be a viable option for some components, safety-critical items like airbags should always be sourced from authorized dealers. Investing in genuine parts may cost more upfront, but it provides peace of mind and protects you and your passengers in the event of a collision. Car part authenticity is paramount.