A recent raid in the United Arab Emirates saw the seizure of tens of thousands of fake and counterfeit car parts, which investigators said were most likely headed for Australia.
The raid of a warehouse in Abu Dhabi's Al Ain city found over 500,000 fake and counterfeit parts worth over $5.4 million (AUD) and was the largest of its kind in Abu Dhabi's history.
Director of Nationwide Research Group Craig Douglas has said that the global fake car parts market is worth nearly $20 billion (AUD).
"Dubai dealers have been contacting Australian automotive retailers offering to sell them genuine parts at less than local prices, and our experience has shown that in most cases those parts are, in fact, counterfeit.
"Through our investigations over the last 25 years, we have increasingly seen spare parts for the major car brands being imported into Australia from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and other parts of the UAE.”
FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said the seizure highlighted the issue within the country and urged for consumers to remain vigilant.
"Investigators tell us there is a good chance that thousands of these inferior, illegal and dangerous parts were on their way to being fitted to Australian cars. ”