Federal agents raided three local warehouses this morning, putting the brakes to a ring that sold counterfeit auto parts to unsuspecting New York City taxi operators, law enforcement sources said.
Three suspects were busted at their homes while agents raided three warehouses — in Queens and two in Paterson, NJ, federal officials said. All three men are set to make initial court appearances later this afternoon.
The ring sold knock-off parts under well-known, respected name brands to taxi operators, who didn’t know they were getting second-rate goods, officials said
Defendants falsely labeled aftermarket parts as new, straight from the original manufacturer, law enforcement sources said.
By mislabeling parts, suspects could sell them without going through stringent federal inspection for aftermarket auto equipment, officials said.
The bogus parts allegedly included brakes, brake pads and brake shoes, water pumps, wheel hubs and anti-lock brake sensors.
The perps allegedly sold the counterfeit good to shops catering to taxis, which endure incredible wear-and-tear on city streets and are constantly having parts replaced.
FBI agents were tipped off by taxi operators, sources said.
TLC Commissioner David Yassky said that riders were never in danger due to the fake parts.
“We congratulate the FBI on this investigation and today’s operation, which effectively put this distribution network out of business,” he said.
“The public may remain confident in the safety of New York City taxicabs by virtue of the frequent and exhaustive inspections they each undergo at the TLC’s own state-of-the-art facility, but successfully keeping counterfeiters like these at bay is crucial.”
Additional reporting by Reuven Fenton