A Raleigh resident has been sentenced to one year and one day in prison for importing and selling counterfeit car airbags. The sentencing, handed down by a federal judge in New Bern, follows an investigation into Mateen Mohammad Alinaghian, 31, who was found to have imported approximately 2,500 fake airbags into the Raleigh area between May 2022 and April 2024.
Authorities say Alinaghian sold the counterfeit airbags locally and through Facebook Marketplace under the seller profiles “Matt AutoParts” and “Medo Smith.” In addition to the prison term, Alinaghian was ordered to pay $83,405.95 in restitution to victims—including individuals who unknowingly purchased fake airbags and affected car manufacturers—and to forfeit $154,693.16.
“Selling fake airbags recklessly puts our citizens in danger,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “This sentence makes clear that we do not tolerate criminals who endanger drivers on our roads. We will keep working with our partners to take these threats off the streets and out of our cars.”
Greg Thompson, Special Agent-in-Charge at the Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General for the Mid-Atlantic Region, stated: “Unregulated and untested counterfeit airbags threaten the safety of the traveling public and place unsuspecting consumers at significant risk. Today’s sentencing underscores DOT-OIG’s commitment to working with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to keep these dangerous products out of the nation’s vehicles and off our roads.”
Secretary of State Elaine Marshall added: “This case spotlights the serious consumer health and safety dangers posed by many counterfeit products like fake vehicle airbags and exemplifies the importance of interagency cooperation in protecting public safety and bringing counterfeiters to justice.”
Court documents revealed that Alinaghian sourced the counterfeit airbags from a supplier in the United Kingdom. The products bore fake markings from brands such as Honda, Chevrolet, General Motors, and Toyota. Testing by Honda, General Motors, and Toyota determined that these steering wheel airbags were not made by their companies; they often used lower-quality materials. Tests showed frequent malfunctions—either failing to fully inflate or inflating late—which posed significant risks of injury.
The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with support from the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General. Authorities searched Alinaghian’s residence and seized about 20 counterfeit airbags. Customs officials also intercepted several packages from the UK containing additional counterfeit devices destined for Alinaghian.
After discovering his source abroad, HSI worked with UK law enforcement agencies. On September 19, 2024, London Police’s Intellectual Property Crime Unit executed search warrants at multiple locations connected to the supplier—seizing 500 counterfeit airbags and roughly £140,000 in cash while arresting three men on suspicion of fraud-related offenses. The UK investigation remains ongoing.
According to a consumer alert issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there have been three deaths and two injuries in the United States between September 2023 and July 2024 linked to vehicles fitted with substandard replacement airbags.
Consumers concerned they may have purchased a counterfeit airbag are advised to consult their vehicle brand’s dealership or a reputable mechanic for inspection or replacement guidance. Suspected cases should be reported either locally through Homeland Security Investigations or via online complaints submitted to both the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center or NHTSA.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Haughton prosecuted this case with assistance from state trademark enforcement authorities.
