Philly Man Put Counterfeit Airbags In Cars For Resale: Feds

Philadelphia PA

02 February, 2022

1:21 PM

Description

PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia man has been accused of trafficking counterfeit airbags from China, installing them in vehicles, then reselling those vehicles to unaware customers. Emiliano Rodriguez, 44, Dominican Republic citizen living in Philadelphia, was arrested and charged by indictment with one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods, and two counts of causing the delivery of hazardous materials by air carrier in connection with a scheme to utilize counterfeit goods in used vehicles, which he then resold to unsuspecting customers. Federal authorities said from at least January 2017 through October 2019, Rodriguez, who is a trained auto mechanic, fraudulently imported counterfeit airbags from China and installed these unproven parts in salvaged autos which were then reintroduced to the consumer market. China has been identified as the largest exporter of counterfeit commodities, including counterfeit airbags. Persons involved in the trade of counterfeit airbags engage in this practice in an effort to increase profits from their sales by decreasing the cost of the parts used to replace the original items, authorities said. Unsuspecting motorists purchase used or salvaged vehicles unaware of the history of the parts used in the vehicle reconstruction. Once purchased, the vehicles are driven on public roads and expose the driver, passengers and public to potential hazards associated with the use of counterfeit parts. In this case, federal agents recovered more than 450 counterfeit airbags and parts from Rodriguez's residence and business, authorities said. "The hazards posed to unsuspecting motorists and the general public by the alleged actions of the defendant in this case are enormous, and could have ramifications for years to come," United States Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams said. "Safety equipment as important as vehicle airbags are subject to strict quality control standards to keep everyone safe, therefore when corners are cut by utilizing counterfeit goods, the consequences can be disastrous. Our Office appreciates the dedicated efforts of our law enforcement partners to investigate and bring charges in this case." If convicted, Rodriguez faces a maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, fines of $2.05 million and a $200 special assessment.