$1.5m in counterfeit car parts seized

Eight raids across the United Arab Emirates, conducted as a joint effort between Al Futtaim and the UAE Government, have netted a massive haul of parts valued at NZ$1.5 million. Over two months the raids were executed across Al Ain, Umm al Quwain and Dubai. Counterfeit investigation experts have again confirmed the parts were likely headed for Australian streets. Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries’ (FCAI) Chief Executive Tony Weber slammed the counterfeiters, noting the trade of fake car parts as a growing concern. “It’s over 178,000 illegal unsafe parts which will damage cars and pose a serious safety risk to the driving public. Our understanding is that this is just a small percentage of what is out there. Counterfeit parts put drivers, families and the general public at risk,” Mr Weber said. Captured items appeared to be the same as those confiscated recently in Australian raids. Fake oil filters, bear a striking resemblance to those the local industry confiscated, prosecuted, tested and alerted the Australian public about in late 2017. “The automotive industry and Border Force are doing their utmost to suppress the rising tide of this dangerous trade,” he said. “It is becoming clear the counterfeit car part market is operated by a sophisticated global network of criminals with contempt for global road safety. Their means of deception underscores how deeply they are invested in cheating car owners.” The seizure adds to the tally for the first quarter of 2018, with 10,500 counterfeits confiscated in January raids by the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi. “We implore the public to protect themselves and their cars with dealership servicing or by insisting that their mechanic only use original and high-quality automotive components sourced from authorised dealers,” said Mr Weber. “That’s the only way you can ensure your vehicle will be protected and your safety assured.”