Three arrested in counterfeit airbag operation

A list indicated the airbags were sold for as little as £25

Three people have been arrested as part of an investigation into the sale of counterfeit airbags.

About 500 fake airbags and an estimated £140,000 in cash were seized across three properties in east London by officers from the Police Intellectual Property Crime Unit (PIPCU) at City of London Police.

Dogs found £110,000 of cash wrapped in nappies and hidden inside a wall cavity at a residential property. The remaining £30,000 was found in wardrobes there.

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.

Cash was found wrapped in nappies and stashed in a wall

Officers from PIPCU suspect the airbags were imported from China and then sold abroad.

Det Ch Insp Emma Warbey, from PIPCU, said: “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."

About 500 counterfeit airbags were seized

She added: “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.”

A written price list found at a garage suggests that the airbags were sold for as little as £25.