Norfolk CBP officers seize nearly $300k in automotive radiators and dehumidifiers imported through identity fraud

NORFOLK, Va. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized nearly $300,000 in imported dehumidifiers and automotive radiators in Norfolk on Aug. 25 that were imported using fraudulent identities.

Officers seized 1,043 auto radiators imported using a stolen identity.

CBP officers initially inspected both shipments in mid-August after they arrived from China. Officers detected discrepancies in the importation and identification documents and detained the shipments. Officers sought additional documentation and identification from the brokers.

One shipment contained 1,043 automotive radiators with a declared value of $5,775 that were destined to an address in Cheyenne, Wyo. The other shipment contained 420 high-capacity 70-pint dehumidifiers with a declared value of $10,080 that were destined to an address in Artesia, Calif.

Officers located and contacted both individuals identified as being the importers of record for each shipment. Each denied ordering the commercial goods or operating a business that imports commercial goods. Officers determined that both individuals were subjects of identity fraud.

Officers also seized 420 high-capacity dehumidifiers imported using the stolen identity of another victim.

CBP officers seized the radiators and dehumidifiers pursuant to 19 USC 1595a(c)(1)(A) for violation of 18 USC 542 for the entry of goods by means of false statements.

Trade experts at CBP’s Center of Excellence and Expertise appraised the dehumidifiers at $181,847 and the automotive radiators at $110,176.

Investigations into both shipments continue.

“Legitimate businesses do not use the stolen identities of American citizens to import commercial goods,” CBP Area Port Director Keri Brady, Area Port of Norfolk-Newport News. “Customs and Border Protection officers will continue to combat transnational crime by detecting and intercepting illicit shipments imported by nefarious business operators and working with our law enforcement partners to hold them accountable.”

Read more about CBP’s trade enforcement approach that helps to ensure a fair and competitive trade environment.

CBP's border security mission is led at our nation’s Ports of Entry by CBP officers and agriculture specialists from the Office of Field Operations. CBP screens international travelers and cargo for illicit narcotics, unreported currency, weapons, and other prohibited items that threaten public safety and our nation’s economic vitality.

Learn more at www.CBP.gov.

Follow the Director of CBP’s Baltimore Field Office on X @DFOBaltimore and CBP’s Office of Field Operations on Instagram @cbpfieldops.

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