U.S. authorities seized a shipment from Israel containing 22,000 fake inspection stickers for Philadelphia vehicles. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said two different packages held the stickers.
The agency said the first shipment was sent to a Philadelphia address on Nov. 26 with 10,000 stickers, then a second one on Dec. 9 popped up containing 12,000 stickers. Pennsylvania authorities were asked to confirm they were fake after customs officers questioned their authenticity.
Upon confirmation, officers seized the stickers on Dec. 16. In total, the confiscated decals have a $1.4 million value if they were real.
On Thursday, Dec. 26, a spokesperson for the law enforcement organization said some vehicle owners know they aren’t able to pay for their cars repairs needed to pass inspection, so they will buy a fake one instead.
“Fake inspection stickers mask unsafe motor vehicles that place all motorists on our roadways in harm,” CBP’s area port director for Philadelphia said.
“Customs and Border Protection officers will continue to seize illicit and illegal products that could be harmful to consumers and the public when we encounter them.”
Statement by CBP’s Area Port Director for Philadelphia
According to Philadelphia state law, annual inspections are required before cars can hit the streets. Vehicle owners are expected to meet all safety and emission protocols.
If caught with counterfeit inspection decals, the penalty is possible jail time and a fine up to $500.
There have been no arrests made in this case.
