$600K Confiscated From eBay Seller Charged With Marketing Fake Airbags | Carscoops
A Michigan man has reportedly earned over half a million dollars by selling fake car parts online.
A 31-year-old from Michigan was recently apprehended for selling counterfeit restraint systems on eBay.
Law enforcement has confiscated over $600,000 from him, and he now faces nine felony charges.
More than 80% of counterfeit airbags do not deploy correctly, leading to potential injuries or fatalities.
The trade in counterfeit car parts is substantial, creating a significant concern. The Michigan Department of Attorney General has highlighted that more than 80% of fake airbags fail to activate properly, heightening the risk of injury or death.
This is a concerning statistic, especially since a 31-year-old man from New Baltimore was recently charged for selling counterfeit restraint systems online. Authorities indicated that Dinas Kamaitis sold several counterfeit items, including airbags, through his eBay shop.
Moreover, it has been noted that counterfeit car parts can be more profitable than illegal drugs, and business in this area is thriving.
Although the Attorney General's office provided limited details, it appears that Kamaitis ran a lucrative operation, with authorities seizing over $600,000 (£465,658 / €547,470) from his accounts. This significant amount has prompted Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel to state that the newly enhanced Auto Fraud Task Force is "dedicated to holding accountable those who jeopardize the safety of Michiganders."
In relation to this, it is estimated that around 81,000 vehicles in Michigan may possess counterfeit restraint systems. Regrettably, consumers often find it challenging to ascertain the safety of their airbags. However, the National Insurance Crime Bureau advises drivers to monitor their airbag warning light, as it may indicate potential issues.
As for Kamaitis, he faces a serious array of felony charges, including one count of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime, four counts of Delivery/Possession of Property with Counterfeit Identifying Marks, and four counts of Selling Counterfeit Supplemental Restraint Systems. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 43 years in prison.
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$600K Confiscated From eBay Seller Charged With Marketing Fake Airbags | Carscoops
The man seems to have earned more than half a million dollars by selling fake car parts through the internet.