In September 2026, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seized 1,818 smuggled car radiators from China in Norfolk, Virginia. These radiators were imported using identity theft methods.
The first two batches of goods were seized on September 15th and 18th, with the latest batch being seized on September 22nd. The total of 1,818 radiators, branded as Reach and CarQuest, had a total value of $206,513.
CBP officials conducted preliminary inspections of goods arriving from China between July 21st and August 14th. Discrepancies were found in the import documents and identification, leading to the detention of the related goods.
Following this, customs contacted the customs brokerage to provide additional documentation.
Officials identified the registered importers of these three batches of radiators and reached out to them. Surprisingly, all registered importers denied ordering these commercial goods or engaging in any business related to importing commercial goods.
According to CBP’s statement, criminals use stolen identities of US citizens or businesses to establish shell companies, illegally transport commercial goods across borders to evade tariffs, or smuggle contraband.
CBP officials invoked Title 18, Section 542 of the US Code – entry of goods by means of false statements – to seize these radiators.
The destinations of these goods were Los Angeles, California, Tempe, Arizona, and Loveland, Colorado.
The investigation is still ongoing.
Keri Brady, the Port Director of CBP Norfolk-Newport News, expressed concerns about the increasing trend of importing goods using stolen identities and illegal smuggling, a matter that worries both CBP and legitimate businesses.
“Because criminals use stolen personal or corporate identity information to smuggle illegal goods, steal imported goods, or evade paying tariffs,” she said, “CBP will continue to combat transnational crime, intercept these illegal goods, and cooperate with enforcement partners to hold criminals accountable.”
This is not the first time CBP has seized illegally imported car radiators in Norfolk. In late August, 1,043 radiators unlawfully entered through illicit means were discovered in Cheyenne, Wyoming.