Authorities have seized more than 3,600 counterfeit vehicle parts worth over £100,000 from a self-storage facility in South Gloucestershire.
The haul included spark plugs, oil filters, sensors, and other components, many of which bypass essential safety testing.
Counterfeit parts are typically made with inferior materials and processes, increasing the risk of failure and potential accidents.
Officials emphasise that even minor components, if fake, can compromise vehicle safety and put drivers, passengers, and other road users at risk.
The operation, supported by the Intellectual Property Office and eight major car manufacturers, reflects a wider nationwide threat. Surveys indicate that one in six UK motorists have unknowingly purchased counterfeit parts, with dangerous items such as brake pads, batteries, and airbags commonly affected.
Motorists are advised to exercise caution when buying vehicle parts, particularly from unfamiliar online suppliers, and to prioritise genuine, certified components.
South Gloucestershire Council Cabinet Member for Trading Standards, Cllr Sean Rhodes, said: ‘Counterfeit vehicle parts are not just illegal – they are potentially lethal. Our Trading Standards team, working with national partners and industry experts, has acted decisively to protect motorists and the wider public.
‘We urge everyone to be vigilant when buying vehicle parts, especially online, and to report anything suspicious. Safety must come first, and this seizure sends a clear message that we will not tolerate criminal activity that could put lives at risk.’
