Daniel P. Bubar Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina
A Raleigh man has admitted to importing and selling counterfeit car steering wheel airbags in the area over the past two years. Mateen Mohammad Alinaghian, 31, pled guilty to importing approximately 2,500 counterfeit airbags between May 2022 and April 2024. These products were falsely marked with brands such as Honda, Chevrolet, General Motors, and Toyota.
The counterfeit airbags were sold through Facebook Marketplace using profiles named "Matt AutoParts" or "Medo Smith." Alinaghian is currently employed as an engineer with the N.C. Department of Transportation.
Testing by Honda, General Motors, and Toyota revealed that these airbags were not genuine and often malfunctioned during operation. The investigation was led by the Department of Homeland Security's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) alongside the U.S. Department of Transportation's Office of Inspector General. A search of Alinaghian’s residence resulted in the seizure of about 20 counterfeit airbags.
Acting U.S. Attorney Daniel P. Bubar commented on the case: “In this case, the defendant put profit over safety by selling counterfeit airbags that had the potential to put drivers in harm’s way if the airbags malfunctioned during a collision.”
Cardell T. Morant from HSI emphasized the risks posed by counterfeit airbags: “Airbags are critical life-saving devices... Counterfeit airbags pose a serious threat to the safety of consumers.”
Greg Thompson from the Department of Transportation highlighted their commitment to safety: “Today’s guilty plea is the result of an unwavering commitment to safety demonstrated together with our law enforcement, prosecutorial, and agency partners.”
N.C. Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall acknowledged partnerships that helped uncover this issue: “Our strong partnerships with brand holders and law enforcement was crucial to uncovering this serious threat.”
Following identification that Alinaghian sourced these products from a UK supplier, HSI collaborated internationally leading to further seizures and arrests abroad.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported fatalities linked to substandard replacement airbags within recent months.
Consumers suspecting they have purchased counterfeit parts are advised to consult professionals for verification and report any issues to relevant authorities.
Daniel P. Bubar announced after Judge Robert B. Jones accepted Alinaghian's guilty plea. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Haughton prosecuted this case.
Court documents related can be accessed via PACER under Case No. 5:25-cr-00013-FL.
