On Oct 6, 2026, U.S customs border agents seized 543 automotive radiators in Norfolk, Virginia, which originally originated from China.
Customs and border protection area port director Keri Brady, Area Port of Norfolk-Newport News said, “customs and border protection officers remain committed to combatting transnational criminal organizations by detecting and seizing these high-risk and fraudulent shipments and depriving these bad actors of any illicit revenue.”
According to the U.S customs and borders protection release, these automotive radiators were shipped using a stolen identity to hide who was truly transporting them.
The 543 automotive radiators were valued at USD $120,296 ($168,252). The shipment was headed to an address in Los Angeles before it was seized.
U.S customs and border protection wrote in the release that “Nefarious operators use stolen identities of citizens or legitimate businesses and create shell companies to illegally move commercial goods across borders to evade tariffs or smuggle contraband.”
This situation showcases the tightening of supply chains and continued risks of counterfeit shipments, factors both affecting the automotive industry.
