Columbus Man Pleaded Guilty to Trafficking Fake Airbags
John Bojorquez admitted to importing counterfeit safety equipment from China to sell at his Ohio dealership.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Financial Crime
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John Bojorquez, 35, entered a guilty plea on September 4, 2026, for trafficking counterfeit airbags. Federal authorities confirmed that Bojorquez imported the fake components from China to sell at his local dealership.
Why it matters
The case highlights the dangers of counterfeit vehicle safety parts entering the supply chain under false labels. By mislabeling the dangerous components as night lights, the defendant bypassed standard safety inspections to profit from consumer automotive needs.
John Bojorquez pleaded guilty to trafficking in counterfeit goods and faces up to 10 years in federal prison. The court will determine his final sentence at a future hearing.
The players
John Bojorquez
The 35-year-old Columbus resident operated a dealership and pleaded guilty to federal charges.
JB Ohio Auto Sale
This auto dealership located in Galloway, Ohio, was the site where law enforcement seized counterfeit evidence.
The details
Bojorquez trafficked at least 44 counterfeit airbags between August 2024 and May 2025 by mislabeling the shipments as desktop night lights. Law enforcement agencies discovered the operation after a search warrant was executed at JB Ohio Auto Sale in Galloway, Ohio.
Timeline
U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 20 counterfeit airbags in August 2024.
Law enforcement searched the dealership and seized evidence in May 2025.
John Bojorquez entered his guilty plea in federal court on September 4, 2026.
Legal Context
This case reflects broader efforts by federal agencies to curb the influx of fraudulent automotive parts that mimic established brand safety standards. It follows the enforcement framework established by the Trademark Counterfeiting Act of 1984 to address the distribution of fraudulent branded goods.
Customers who purchased vehicles or safety replacements from the dealership may face critical safety risks from non-functional counterfeit parts. Residents and local vehicle owners are advised to verify the authenticity of any aftermarket airbags installed in their vehicles.
The takeaway
Consumers should only purchase safety components from authorized dealers to ensure their vehicles remain roadworthy and safe. Identifying the origin and legitimacy of automotive parts is essential to avoiding potentially lethal counterfeit equipment.
Further reading
For more on ongoing investigations into fraudulent commercial activities, visit Financial Crime.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BodyShop Business.
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